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LWVOR follows governance-related policy in the state legislature. Governance Overview The League of Women Voters of Oregon is actively working toward a more accessible government, better educational resources, statewide privacy protections and more. Read More Governance Reports Mar 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Though the session has concluded, our work continues as bills that succeeded or failed influence upcoming policy and budget considerations. Read More Mar 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of March 2 League governance work is intensifying and focusing on campaign finance, with legislative drama also around the gas tax referendum. Only one week remains in this short session. Read More Feb 23, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 The editorial board of the Oregonian featured the League opposition to HB 4018 8, which revokes campaign finance reforms, “Editorial: A complete betrayal on campaign finance”, Feb 22, 2026. Read More Feb 16, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 We have filed testimony on more than half of the governance bills we’re following. Informational hearings in Joint Committee Information Management Technology are well worth watching, this week for protecting local journalism and data breach policy. Read More Feb 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 We worked on an assortment of bills this week including elections, artificial intelligence, law enforcement, privacy rights, and funding. League testimony was filed for 6 of the 20 we tagged for Governance that were heard in committees Read More Feb 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Catch up on interim news and highlights of some of the 40 governance bills we've identified, out of 700 bills so far this session. We’re preparing testimony for seven of them in the session’s first two days so expect more individual reports next week. Read More Jan 26, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of January 26 The Joint Committee for Information Management and Technology (JCIMT) will focus for the 2026 session on a comprehensive strategy to strengthen digital transparency and public infrastructure against evolving technological threats, by modernizing state AI and data security policies. Read More Dec 1, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of December 1 LWVOR has a hand in LWV litigation, and Governance is observing. Read More Oct 21, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Federal pressure on Oregon resonated throughout legislative hearings and made news for national guard activation against small peaceful ICE protests. Read More Aug 11, 2025 Legislative Report - Sine Die - Week of 8/11 This sine die report summarizes the Governance portfolio work that took place over the 2025 Legislative Session. Read More Jun 30, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 In the last few days of the legislative session, we saw extraordinary machinations on campaign finance reform. Read More Jun 23, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/23 HB 3954 was revived last week after a League letter called for action on the bill, for the Adjutant General to not allow the Oregon National Guard to be called to active service, except for certain reasons. This bill became more relevant with the California National Guard being called to action by the President in Los Angeles, overriding the Mayor and California Governor. Read More Jun 16, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 HB 3954 tells the Oregon Adjutant General not to allow the Oregon National Guard to be called to active service, except for certain reasons, timelier now with the California National Guard in the news. HB 3954 had a May 5 public hearing, but no subsequent work session. We wrote a commenting letter and sent it to the Governor's staff, the Attorney General, Chair and House Rules Committee members, and bill sponsors, to urge action on this bill, considering amending if it is needed. Read More Jun 9, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/9 HB3936 A bans the use of AI on state assets if the AI is developed or owned by a covered (foreign) vendor. It has already passed the House 52 to 0. It is now scheduled for a final debate and vote on the Senate floor on June 9. Read More Jun 2, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/2 The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback on draft administrative rules that would implement HB 4025 (2024). It has also appointed a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to work on these new administrative rules. Read More May 26, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/26 The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback on draft administrative rules that would implement HB 4025 (2024). It has also appointed a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to work on these new administrative rules. Read More May 19, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/19 HB 3766 had a second public hearing in the Senate Judiciary after passing unanimously from the House Floor. League testimony supported the bill as written to allow civil action against an adult who, unbidden, digitally sends intimate images (cyber-flashing) with the intent to harass, degrade or humiliate. Updated League testimony was filed and presented to address amendments quantifying defendant age and limiting damages to $10,000. We recommended reading Criminalising Cyberflashing. Read More May 12, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/12 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance, privacy/consumer protection, elections, and artificial intelligence. Read More May 5, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/5 HB 3392 is said to be the vehicle for a gut and stuff of the technical fixes for HB 4024 (2024). This bill is currently a study of campaign finance by the Secretary of State. Amendments are under discussion but not yet posted on OLIS. Read More Apr 28, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 Bills with League testimony are progressing, reported here, and several not addressed in the first chamber will be considered for testimony in the second chamber. Read More Apr 21, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/21 SB 1180: Requires the Secretary of State to submit to the Legislative Assembly, by November 1 of each odd-numbered year, a list of each prospective statewide initiative petition that has been filed for the next general election. Read More Apr 14, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/14 The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies. Read More Apr 7, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/7 We are following numerous bills relating to initiatives, rulemaking, and elections. Read More Mar 31, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 We are following numerous bills relating to initiatives, broadband/vote-by-mail privacy, and elections. Read More Mar 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/24 We are following numerous bills relating to redistricting, broadband/vote-by-mail privacy, elections, government ethics, and rulemaking. Read More Mar 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/17 We are following numerous bills relating to redistricting, broadband/vote-by-mail privacy, and elections. Read More Mar 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance and elections, courts and privacy, and government ethics. Read More Mar 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/3 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance and elections, courts and privacy, government ethics, and revenue. Read More Feb 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/24 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance reform, federal concerns and privacy, and government ethics. Read More Feb 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance reform, immigration, bias and hate crimes, and government ethics. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 We are watching for AI and further cybersecurity and privacy bills, welcoming two new volunteers who will have AI bill reports soon. Read More Feb 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/3 We are following numerous bills relating to immigration, discrimination, bias and hate crimes, including as they relate to privacy. Read More Jan 20, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 A CFR workgroup called by Rep. Fahey that began in June is still working to identify technical adjustments needed to ensure successful implementation of HB 4024 (2024), to recommend legislative fixes for 2025, and to consider broader policy improvements for future sessions. Read More Dec 20, 2024 Legislative Report - December Interim 2024 The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. Read More Oct 1, 2024 Legislative Report - September Legislative Days The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. Senate Rules met Sept. 24 to consider various executive appointments. Read More Jun 10, 2024 Legislative Report - Interim Week 6/10 The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. House Rules met May 31 to hear from representatives of the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy. Senate Rules met May 20 to consider various appointments. Read More Apr 22, 2024 Legislative Report - Sine Die 2024 Since this was a short session things seemed to move quickly. In the beginning there seemed to be adequate notice on hearings and bills to be heard, changing as the session progressed. Read More Mar 4, 2024 Legislative Report - 3/4 An amazingly historic thing happened with campaign finance reform as explained here in the Capital Chronicle. Read More Feb 26, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 During the 2/29 public hearing on the -3 amendment to this placeholder bill, HB 4024, good government groups severely criticized the amendment for leaving huge loopholes for special interest organizations to still make 6-figure campaign contributions. Read More Feb 19, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 A placeholder bill, HB 4024, is being pressed into service from unusual partners, labor (which is otherwise promoting IP 42 against IP 9), and business. Read More Feb 12, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/12 SB 1538 is an election law clean-up bill that makes many changes, was amended in several details and passed out of the Senate Rules Committee on 2/15. Read More Feb 5, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/5 For the first week of session, this news includes committee bills we’re working on / watching and news from the quarterly EPAB Meeting. Read More Jan 15, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 The Interim Senate Rules and Executive Appointments Committee met 1/10/24 and introduced three legislative concepts (LCs) for the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC) to study public records requests fees charged (LC 196); make youth sporting events grants available (LC 195); and to make many changes in an election law clean-up bill (LC 194). Read More Nov 13, 2023 Legislative Report - November Interim The LWV of Oregon has endorsed and is actively circulating IP 9 on Campaign Finance and IP 14 on Redistricting. Read More Oct 2, 2023 Legislative Report - September Interim The LWV of Oregon has endorsed and is actively circulating IP 9 on Campaign Finance and IP 14 on Redistricting. We urge you to download, print, sign and return petitions by mail from Honest Elections for IP 9 and People Not Politicians for IP 14. Read More Aug 18, 2023 Legislative Report - Sine Die In the final days of the legislative session only one bill, SB 166, the SoS’s omnibus elections bill, passed that included any campaign finance provisions. Read More Jun 26, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 In the final days of the Legislative session, only one bill, SB 166 Enrolled, passed that included many subjects. Read More Jun 12, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 The OR Senate walkout from May 3 finally ended on June 15, with a quorum present. 394 bill actions were scheduled including 40 from the House, which suspended rules to increase by 10. 144 bills have already been signed by the Governor. Read More Jun 5, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/5 The June 8 House Rules Committee finally saw some CFR action, starting at ~1:20 in the video. Speaker Rayfield’s staff explained some history, concepts, and complications of crafting a CFR bill. Read More May 29, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 5/29 Hopes for breaking the Senate walkout logjam seem slim, now in the sixth week. The singular focus on HB 2002 is likely to kill many critical bills as processing time vanishes, including critical cybersecurity bills carried over from 2022. Read More

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/6 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Housing Human Services Criminal Justice Gun Safety Immigration/Refugees and other Basic Rights Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Oregon’s housing crisis demands a wide variety of tools aimed at keeping people who are housed in their homes and helping people with inadequate or no shelter into safe and stable housing. When families and individuals cannot afford to cover their basic needs for food, transportation, rent, and utilities, they are at risk of becoming homeless. The bills listed will address some of these needs and take steps towards increasing Oregon’s housing supply. HB 2889 – Oregon Housing Needs Analysis in OHCS This bill proposes to locate the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) within Oregon Housing and Community Services to bring comprehensive reforms to the state’s land use planning systems to pave the way to increase housing production and enhance flexibility in housing choice and location. With state guidance, local communities must address disparities in housing outcomes with an emphasis on housing people most in need. LWVOR testimony was in support. HB 3125 – Public Drinking Water and Sewer Ratepayer Assistance Fund This bill would create a drinking water and assistance fund to be administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services. Resources would be allocated to community-based non-profits, housing authorities, community action agencies, and public utilities. These agencies would be responsible for distributing funds to households in need of assistance. This ratepayer assistance fund will give local agencies one more tool to assist households at risk of losing their homes. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 3010 – Mortgage Interest Deduction The Oregon Secretary of State’s office released an audit of the state’s Mortgage Interest Deduction in March 2022. The audit made findings that should be helpful in informing legislators of the program’s lack of effectiveness in promoting homeownership. The report concludes that the tax deduction is regressive and costs the state over $1 billion in foregone revenue. It is the largest housing-related tax expenditure. The deduction primarily benefits higher earning taxpayers. Taxpayers in urban counties receive a disproportionate share of the savings. For example, in 2018 Clackamas County taxpayers received an average benefit of $331 while Wheeler County taxpayers received an average of $71. People of color receive disproportionately less benefit because of significantly lower homeownership rates. There is no evidence the deduction promotes homeownership. Barriers to homeownership include high home prices, limited funds for down payments, and credit issues. Mortgage Interest Deduction reform is one of the Oregon Housing Alliance’s priority issues. Housing Alliance Membership Meeting The Oregon Housing Alliance, of which LWVOR is a member, held a Membership Meeting on February 6, 2023, attended by Peggy Lynch, Debbie Aiona, and Nancy Donovan. Andrea Bell, Executive Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services, presented an overview of the Governor’s Recommended Budget , and the agency’s proposed budget shifts. They are working through the details and amounts will be refined in the weeks ahead. Following her presentation, the three Housing Alliance workgroups broke into discussion groups: Homeless & Tenant Protections; Land Use, Development and Preservation; and Homeownership & Asset Building. Human Services By Karen Nibler HOMELESS YOUTH services have been supported by LWVOR since our February 2007 study. This session, HB 2454 requesting funding for the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program was heard in House Housing and Homelessness on January 31. The League submitted supportive testimony . The Department of Human Services has administered this program since 2015 but funding had been minimal and covered established shelter programs. In the most recent sessions state funds went to Ecumenical Ministries for the administration of Host Homes through private families. The League had supported youth shelters for all regions in the state as there were needs in many areas. The manager of this state program reported that the homeless services coverage had expanded from 12 to 26 counties with only two counties having no youth shelter programs. Those who testified at the hearing pointed out that currently homeless adults were often homeless as kids. Thus it was important to house families and children to interrupt this cycle. The Human Services Ways and Means Subcommittee has zeroed in on reducing child poverty with its Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, SNAP food benefits, Earned Income Tax Credits and early learning and child care programs as presented in the January 24 hearing. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley & Karen Nibler The House Judiciary recently heard bills relating to two issues of increasing concern in Oregon and across the country: paramilitary activity and domestic terrorism. As background, it is important to note that the US Supreme Court decided in 1886, and again in 2008, that the Second Amendment “does not prevent the prohibition of paramilitary organizations.” Today all 50 states forbid private military units from engaging in activities reserved for the state militia, including law enforcement activities. On February 6, the League submitted testimony on HB 2572 , which modifies Oregon laws related to armed paramilitary activity. The amended version of the bill defines unlawful paramilitary activity as public patrolling, drilling, or engaging in techniques capable of causing physical injury; interfering with government operations or proceedings; asserting improper authority; and interfering with or intimidating another person engaged in legal behavior. A key provision allows the Oregon Attorney General to bring civil action in the name of state if there is reasonable cause that a person or group of persons is about to engage in such behavior. It defines “private paramilitary organization” as “any group of three or more persons associating under a command structure for the purpose of functioning in public, or training to function in public, as a combat, combat support, law enforcement or security services unit.” The League is monitoring the progress of HB 2772 , heard on February 8, which creates the crime of domestic terrorism, punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment; $250,000 fine; or both. SB 529 , which provides policy recommendations for alternative incarceration programs related to addiction treatment, passed out of Senate Judiciary on February 7 with a do pass recommendation and subsequent referral to Ways and Means. This bill is a step toward fulfilling one of the Governor’s budget priorities—to provide $8.7 million for enhanced substance abuse treatment programs at the Oregon State Penitentiary and the Snake River Correctional Institution. The Oregon Judicial Department brought 2 bills to Senate Judiciary: SB 234 asks for more data on equity of persons in court by client self-report not by staff observation SB 235 asks for increases in judicial positions, at least six county circuit courts have unacceptable wait times for trials, and a time study recommended 36 new judges. The Public Safety Ways and Means Subcommittee will consider this request along with the OJD Budget. Senate Judiciary has considered SB 579 on the right to vote for convicted felons in Department of Corrections custody. SB 637 asks for funding for immigration legal assistance for an existing service, and SB 745 asks the Department of Justice to provide mandatory training to state and county employees on the identification of trafficking victims, interviews and reports. House Judiciary heard 3 cases on crime victim services. HB 2933 asked for a Sexual Violence Safety Fund to provide safe shelters for victims through social service agencies before trials. HB 2676 asked for funds for forensic kits, clean-up costs in homes, funerals, lost wages, and counseling costs. HB 2732 requested funds for Children’s Advocacy Centers for forensic interviews and medical evaluations during abuse investigations. A few exist in counties. Public Safety Ways and Means Subcommittee held initial meetings with the Oregon Judicial Department on the growing backlog of criminal felony cases and Aid and Assist evaluations and Public Defense Services Commission efforts to hire out of state lawyers and pay for time not by case. Gun Safety By Marge Easley Measure 114 Update: The League is disappointed that the Oregon Supreme Court has declined to intervene in the county circuit court ruling that blocks Measure 114 from going into effect. The decision, issued on February 9, is also a disappointment to the Oregon Attorney General, who had petitioned the court to throw out the ruling by Harney County Circuit Judge Robert S. Raschio or direct him to explain why it should stand. According to a statement by the Supreme Court, “That resolution is underway in the trial court; our only determination today is that now is not an appropriate time to exercise our authority in mandamus in connection with the trial court’s temporary and preliminary rulings.” Immigration/Refugees and other Basic Rights By Claudia Keith Building grassroots leadership in immigrant communities | American Friends Service Committee. Ukrainians by the thousands arrive in states, but with a time limit – Oregon Capital Chronicle. Labor advocates celebrate a major victory for immigrant workers - The Chief. Welcome corps: How US residents can now sponsor refugees . - CSMonitor.com Bills of Interest or possible League support: (Bills that have been posted to OLIS that may move forward via a committee public hearing. – an Incomplete list) Bills moved from Policy Committee to the Joint Ways and Means Committee: SB 627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals (15M$) Sen Lieber. Passed out of Sen Judiciary, DO Pass, Feb 7, sent to JW&M. The League has supported this policy / funding category in the past. Basic Needs SB 610 : Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (snap), unclear what the funding ask may be. Chief sponsors: Senator Campos, Representative Ruiz, Senator Manning Jr, Gorsek, Representative Bowman, Dexter, Gamba . Sen Human Services then to JW&M. May replace the ‘Workers Relief Fund’ . ‘Oregon Worker Relief measures impact in infrastructure’| Statesman Journal. SB 856 Establishes COFA Food Assistance Program to provide nutrition assistance to COFA citizens who would qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits but for their immigration status and who have incomes at or below federal poverty guidelines. Legislative Counsel has not adopted standards for drafting measures that establish exemptions from disclosure of public records. Chief Sponsor: Senator Meek, Patterson, Hansell. Posted to OLIS 2/7/23 Immigration SB 185 Requires Department of Justice to study immigration in this state; may include legislation recommendations to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15, 2024. Requested by Attorney General Rosenblum. In Sen Judiciary. Sunsets January 2, 2025. HB 2957 : Financial assistance to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status recipients for specified purposes. (>7M$). Large portion of the Source funding is Federal ARPA funds. Rep Ruiz, House EC&HS SB 603 : Establishes People's Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program, administered by Dept Human Services, to provide 12 monthly payments of $1,000 to individuals who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, are severely rent burdened or earn at or below 60 percent of area median income. (Includes immigrant, and refugee status.) Starts with a PSU $250K study. A potential $500M program. Rep Pham K and Senator Campos, Sen Cmt on Housing and Dev, then JW&M. HB 3176 Requires Dept HS and Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, to award contracts to organizations to provide support services to immigrants and refugees. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund. Directs Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement to convene representatives from state agencies, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to coordinate policy recommendations. Representative Reynolds, Senator Jama, House ECHS then JW&M. SB 849 requires professional licensing boards to provide culturally responsive training to specified staff members, publish guidance on pathways to professional authorization for internationally educated individuals and waive requirement for English proficiency examination for specified internationally educated individuals…. Sen L&B. Senator Jama, Dembrow, Frederick, Campos, Manning Jr, Woods, Representative Chaichi, Nguyen H . Other SB 613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities SB 216 Related to data collected by OHA. (Request of Governor Kate Brown for OHA).The Oregon Health Authority set a goal of eliminating health disparities by 2030 including those based on race, ethnicity, language, or disability (REALD) and sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). Sen HC, 2/8 Cmt Work Session carried over. No fiscal impact identified. HB 2458 : Prohibits conversion therapy.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Department of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Services Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Water Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY SB 726 requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR supports. The public hearing on this bill was held Feb. 24 in the Senate Committee On Energy and Environment . We wait to see if it will get a work session. HB 3244 : Replaces the requirement that an owner or operator of a municipal solid waste incinerator conduct continuous monitoring or sampling of specified air contaminants with a requirement that the monitoring or sampling be conducted annually. LWVOR would oppose. The bill relates to the Reworld facility out of Keiser and League members have testified of their concerns in past years. AGRICULTURE By Sandra Bishop The following Senate bills had public hearings in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire on March 6 : SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill and SB 77 – home occupation reform bill which the League supports. And SB 788 , a bill that would exempt some Eastern Oregon counties from certain land use laws, which we opposed. LWVOR testified in support of SB 77 and SB 78 , and in opposition to SB 788 . LWVOR will watch and may support SB 73 – Spot zoning reform; and SB 79 – which prohibits certain dwellings on resource lands with our strong positions on protection of Oregon’s valuable agricultural lands. Also, we are watching HB 3158 relating to photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use. Allows certain photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use to operate alongside farm or allowed nonfarm uses on a tract. LWVOR is watching this one before taking a position. The League was invited to participate in a panel at the Board of Agriculture related to the 2025 legislative session. We were unable to attend, but sent a copy of our 2025 Priorities with a short note of thanks for the invitation and acknowledging the League’s support of agriculture—Oregon’s most stable industry. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch On March 7, the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction held public hearings and work sessions on five bills to rebalance the 2023-25 budget. OPB published an article to explain: If approved, the proposed spending would reduce the money lawmakers have left at the end of the 2023-25 budget by $425.6 million. The state’s top budget writers, state Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland, and state Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Portland, said much of the spending was already accounted for in a revenue forecast delivered last week. That forecast suggested lawmakers can count on $350 million more than previously expected as they build the next two-year budget. Senate President Rob Wagner provided a press release with a list of the major additional funding proposed. Expect the Full Ways and Means to take action on March 14 and then the bills go to the respective chambers for a vote where they should pass and be sent to the Governor for her signature. The legislature will then focus on the 2025-27 budgets. The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction will next meet on March 21st when they will receive a report from the State Treasurer, including the 2025 bonding capacity, and from the Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS) on behalf of the Governor. Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 tentative 3rd week of March; Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 tentative 3rd week of March; Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13 DEQ: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet tentative info mtgs. April 7-9, public hearing April 10 Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials , public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 , tentative public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials (See Wildfire section for more information.) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4 , mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports SB 836 . Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase (Work Session held Mar. 4 in Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire where it passed unanimously ) Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials **Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony . OPRD will need additional revenue sources for the 2027-29 biennium. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 tentative hearings March 17-18, public hearing on March 19. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 and HB 2803 . Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & P ublic hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & P ublic hearing Feb. 25-26 Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 Office of the Governor: SB 5523 Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20. Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11 Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06. Meeting Materials Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be a vehicle to accept testimony from the public during six community meetings around the state from March 22 ending April 25 on the public’s priorities for the 2025-27 budget. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL A public hearing was held on March 4 for the Eelgrass Action Bill (HB 3580) , a bill for kelp and eel grass conservation. The League signed on to a letter in support. Also heard was a bill to protect Rocky Habitat ( HB 3587 ). Here is a one-pager: Rocky Habitat Stewardship Bill (HB 3587) . The League also signed on to a letter in support. We asked for funding for a staffer in the Dept. of Land Development and Conservation budget to continue to address rocky habitat, an element of the Territorial Sea Plan which the League has supported as elements were added and updated over the years. A bill League is following is SB 504 related to shoreline stabilization. Our coastal partners have been working with the sponsor and a -4 amendment has been filed that focuses on “non-structural nature-based solutions” instead of “bioengineering”. A work session was held. The -4 amendment was adopted unanimously on Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire and the bill has been sent to Ways and Means. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that m odifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. A work session was held on Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire where it passed unanimously. Passed the full Senate March 6 . The League has signed on to a letter in opposition to HB 2642 which would privatize emissions testing. . Emissions testing in Oregon began in the mid-1970s as a method of reducing air pollution from trucks and cars in order to ensure compliance with the landmark federal Clean Air Act of 1970. A public hearing was held on Feb. 18 in the Joint Committee On Transportation . Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage . Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member served on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. On Feb. 26 the advisory committee approved the Fiscal Impact Statement. A public comment period is expected in May. You are welcome to Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via GovDelivery . The League again served on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases. A meeting was held on Feb. 25th where the committee agreed to forward their recommendation for the allowed annual 3% fee increase to the DEQ Director. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025 . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell On March 6th the Technical Review Team (TRT) met on the Calico Resources proposed Grassy Mountain gold mine near Vale in Malheur County. The TRT discussed Best Available Practicable and Necessary Technology (BAPNT). Information will be available online . The League provided testimony in support of SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. DEPT. OF STATE LANDS (DSL) DSL is seeking comments on a proposed sale of state-owned land located on the south shore of the western side of Hayden Island in Multnomah County. The 45-day comment period is open from March 5 – April 19. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The Dept. of State Lands is seeking comments on the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Operations Plan. Click here to view or download the proposed plan, project overview map, and appendices. Click here to view only the proposed plan (PDF) The 45-day comment period is open until 5 p.m. on March 31. Here is a more complete notice of the plan with opportunities for virtual public meetings. EMERGENCY SERVICES By Rebecca Gladstone The League spoke and filed testimony on HB 2581 in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has passed the House. The Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs held a public hearing on March 6th and now has a work session scheduled March 18th. FORESTRY (ODF) By Josie Koehne The newest member to the 7-member Board of Forestry joined the Board for the first time at their March 5th meeting. Alexi Lovechio , of Ashland is Forests and Ecosystem Services Program Manager with Ecotrust, has a background in forest and climate policy, and has worked previously on botany surveys for the USDA Forest Service. Ben Deumling and Heath Curtis will continue to serve on the Board for 4 more years. The March 5th Board meeting focused primarily on internal governance issues, including the role of the chair, each member's top priorities for future Board discussions, a proposal for adding a rotating vice chair, edits to Board Policies Manual, and a presentation on the Dept of Forestry's Demographics and Workforce Trends. The Board has made progress on increasing women and DEI representation in ODF employment, but more work needs to be done since the agency staff are approximately 75% white male. The Board discussed sending a letter to the Legislature supporting full funding for the Private Forest Accord . Since one member declined to sign on and the letter would therefore not be unanimous, the letter will not be sent. The Legislature has charged the Board with developing rulemaking for tethered logging. There was an excellent presentation on the scientific research on tethered logging for protecting soils and improving logger safety. Private timber companies have been using and improving equipment and practices for many years now, and are very happy with its use for logging steep slopes. SB 1051 assigned to the Senate Rules Committee was discussed at length. The bill transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. The bill states that the State Forester or Deputy State Forester must be "a practical forester familiar with western conditions and experienced in organization for the prevention of forest fire." Most members oppose this bill on the grounds that the long-term appointment of the State Forester should not be subject to changes in the Governorship or subject to political influence. All agreed that a strong natural resources background should be a requirement in selecting a State Forester. The Board has already developed their list of desired attributes to guide them in the selection process. HB 3103 , a bill that would d irect the State Forester to establish “sustainable” harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and develop a timber inventory model to inform sustainable harvest levels while ignoring the court affirmed “greatest permanent value” was heard on March 3rd in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . The League OPPOSED . See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE Our partners in the Oregon Conservation Network alerted us to a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255 , HB 2303 , HB 2402 and HB 2427 . We are also concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership. Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures . On Feb. 19, the Governor provided expectations and guidance for state agencies related to rulemaking and customer service. Upon outreach to the Governor’s Office, the League has been invited to participate in a series of discussions of rulemaking processes and committee membership selection. LAND USE & HOUSING By Peggy Lynch The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invite comments on a draft of the 2025 update to the Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP). The Plan is now available for comment through March 20; Webinars: Tuesday, March 11 and Friday, March 14. Business Oregon’s Infrastructure bill, HB 3031 , with a -1 amendment to clarity the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund had a public hearing on Feb. 26 in the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness . Although there are a few issues yet to resolve, the League supports this important funding bill. LWVOR testimony . Governor’s news release . Bills we are following: HB 2138 : Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands, filed at the request of the Governor. A public hearing was held on March 3rd in House Committee On Housing and Homelessness where a -1 amendment is posted as a “gut and stuff” for the bill. The Governor testified in support of the bill, but received concerns about the provision to allow for easier demolition of historic buildings and has stated that such a provision will be removed in the next amendment. Also not included was a provision that the League had objected to that would have exempted courtyards from cottage cluster development. At this time, the League is not planning to testify on this bill. HB 3145 : Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing. LWVOR should support. Public hearing is set for March 10. HB 2950 A bill to update Goal One and Public Participation is being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association. The League is interested in the bill, but has some concerns. We understand there will be an amendment proffered. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . Because of the requirement to do rulemaking, the bill, if passed by the Committee, will be sent to Ways and Means. HB 3013 : Details the process by which a permit or zone change that is based on provisions of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation that fail to gain acknowledgment is voided and any resulting improvements or uses are removed or revoked. LWVOR supports with -1 amendment. A public hearing was held Feb. 3rd. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These lands are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. A public hearing was held Feb. 10. HB 2400 : Allows the owner of property outside an urban growth boundary to site an additional dwelling on the property for occupancy by a relative of the owner. A public hearing was held Feb. 10. HB 2422 : Requires that lands zoned to allow density of one or fewer dwellings per acre to be considered a rural use. A public hearing was held Feb. 10. HB 3062 : Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. A public hearing was held Feb. 20th. SB 462 : Requires the Oregon Business Development Department to establish an education course for land use planners for local governments, special districts and state agencies. LWVOR supports educational efforts but there are other training opportunities so this proposal might be redundant. A public hearing was held on Feb. 19 in the Senate Committee On Housing and Development . SB 525 : Amends expedited land division criteria and processes. LWVOR has concerns. May need to oppose. See also the Agriculture section of this report and the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (OPRD) The OPRD budget ( HB 5026 ) was heard March 3-5. The League provided testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office notes regarding concerns for the long-term sustainability of OPRD’s operational funding. The Department asserted that the largest known challenge for the 2025-27 biennium is addressing the gap between projected operational revenues and anticipated expenditures. Throughout this biennium as well as the next, OPRD’s operational budget is dependent on an existing beginning balance. This means the current level of expenditures, given projected revenues, is unsustainable for the long-term. While the dedicated programs remain sustainable, operational expenditures are outpacing Lottery Funds and non-dedicated Other Funds revenues used to support agency operations. WATER By Peggy Lynch The League continues to follow the concerns of residents of the Lower Umatilla basin. Here is the latest article from the Oregon Capitol Chronicle. We have received notice of the tentative public hearing dates for select water bills in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water : 3/10: Voluntary Agreements on Groundwater ( HB 3801 ) 3/10: Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ) 3/12: Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority ( HB 3806 ) 3/12: Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ) 3/12: Contested Case Process Improvements ( HB 3544 ) 3/17: LCIS Natural Resources Capacity ( HB 3531 ) 3/19: Place-Based Water Planning ( HB 3116 ) League supports. 3/19: Chewaucan Basin Collaborative ( HB 3114 ) 3/19: Certified Water Right Examiners ( HB 3502 ) 3/24: Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Partial Forfeiture Protection (TBD) 3/31: Water Right, Dam Safety, and Well Related Fees ( HB 2803 , HB 2808 ) League supports. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. 4/2: Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) Other water bills we are following: HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 3526 would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League supported this concept in past sessions and did again this session. A public hearing was held Feb. 17. HB 3364 makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept. Testimony provided comments and concerns with agreement that all parties would continue to work on finding agreement on an amendment. A public hearing was held Feb. 19. HB 3419 is the major broad set of water policy changes that is now described by the various amendments posted since this is really a “gut and stuff” bill! The committee Co-Chairs announced that more amendments are expected. Per Rep. Owens: the -2 and -3 amendments on HB 3419 will NOT move. HB 2988 : Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th. HB 3108 : Requires the Water Resources Department to implement additional rules and requirements for the review of limited license applications for an aquifer storage and recovery permit HB 3573 , a bill that addresses funding for a variety of water measurement strategies. The League supports. In 2024 the Water Caucus requested research support from the Legislative Policy Research Office (LPRO) to better understand the groundwater management policies of different agencies in Oregon. The Report on Groundwater Management is now available. Supreme Court weakens Clean Water Act: In an article from the Guardian: The US supreme court has weakened rules on the discharge of raw sewage into water supplies in a 5-4 ruling that undermines the 1972 Clean Water Act. The CWA is the principal law governing pollution control and water quality of the nation’s waterways. The court ruled on Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot employ generic, water body-focused pollution discharge limits to Clean Water Act permit holders, and must provide specific limitations to pollution permittees. The ruling is a win for San Francisco , which challenged nonspecific, or “narrative,” wastewater permits that the EPA issues to protect the quality of surface water sources like rivers and streams relied upon for drinking water. A work session was held on Mar. 3rd on HB 3341 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . It appropriates $5 million to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for the Community Drinking Water Enhancement and Protection Fund. The League supported the establishment of this fund in past years. The bill passed and was referred to Ways and Means. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League provided testimony in support. The Oregon Water Data Portal debuted Jan. 31st. The multi-agency effort to release a beta version of the pilot portal for the Oregon Water Data Portal project debuted on January 31. The pilot portal is accessible at https://www.oregonwaterdata.org/ . Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov . A public hearing was held on Feb. 26th in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water where a -1 amendment was shared that would create an entire multi-agency system for gathering the water data needed for good decision making. The League has yet to determine if this new proposal is good for Oregon. See the following Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board presentation and the Internet of Water Coalition presentation . The League has not weighed in on the amendment. The Co-Chairs of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water are working on a broad package of water-related bills, the 2025 Water Package . There is a Water Caucus raising the awareness of the need to address Oregon’s water needs. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” V isit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. House Bill 3314 , sponsored by state Reps. Rob Nosse and Mark Gamba, would direct about $1 million to Oregon State University to finish designing a channel that would cut through Ross Island. See coverage here. WETLANDS A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers In the wake of a tumultuous year for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Governor Kotek recently announced she was seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester, who had previously been chosen by the Board of Forestry. Kotek has proposed Senate Bill 1051 , which was sponsored by Sen. Kayse Jama, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules. More details may be found in this OPB article . The wildfire related work this week began with a March 4th Public Hearing on SB 82 -1 , before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. This bill makes changes to a grant process which funds the Oregon Conservation Corps and their training. It requires the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) which handles the process to consult with the Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), to ensure different aspects of the wildfire mitigation work they perform meet the goals of those agencies. Later that same day, the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans held a Public Hearing on HB 3077 , a bill which would allow local government employees to volunteer for up to 30 days in a year to serve as volunteers in wildland fire suppression in emergency situations. The League monitored a meeting of the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety on March 5th, and the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources on March 6, where the long-awaited report of the Wildfire Funding Workgroup was heard. The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal were tasked by the legislature through Senate Bill 5701 (2024) to convene this workgroup to identify solutions for sustainable wildfire mitigation and suppression funding to address the growing wildfire crisis, and this was a report on that work. Presenting were Travis Medema, Deputy Chief Fire Marshal for OSFM; Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations for ODF; and Doug Grafe, Wildfire and Military Advisor to Governor Kotek. They detailed the foundational shared principles that grounded the work of the workgroup, singing the praises of the collaborative teamwork of the group and staff support over the summer during an extremely challenging wildfire season, and outlined the 6 Alternative Funding Strategies the group arrived at. More details may be found here . Kyle Williams stated that the “floor” for the investment needed is likely north of $300 million. We expect to see legislation on one or more of the six alternatives as well as other legislative proposals before the end of session. Also, on March 5, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment held a Work Session on HB 3666 which would require an electric public utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification, and allow a consumer-owned utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification. It was passed without recommendation as to passage and referred to Judiciary. This article from the Oregon Capital Chronicle gives more detail on the objections of some to the bill, worrying that it would relieve electric utilities of responsibility for wildfire damages. Next was a Public Hearing before Senate Judiciary on SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. Finally, on March 6th, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment held a Public Hearing on HB 3172 . This bill directs OSFM to establish a grant program to facilitate the retrofitting of dwellings and accessory structures (aka home hardening), to reduce vulnerability to wildfire. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch REVENUE Patricia Garner, Josie Koehne, Peggy Lynch The short session is over. The Governor still has to decide if she’s signing the legislation. And the work is not done. There was not enough revenue to fund the 2025-27 budget without cuts and new legislation as shared below. The Feb. 4 Revenue Forecast guided the spending for the 2026 legislative session. Carl Ricidonna, Oregon’s State Economist, provided his report, along with Michael Kennedy, Senior Economist. See pages 17 and 20 for the important numbers. And the Legislative Revenue Office’s Forecast Summary . LWVOR participated with several other volunteer and non-profit organizations in the unofficial Oregon Revenue Coalition that worked together to find ways to preserve Oregon revenue in the light of lost federal income from Congress’s passage of H.R.1 which would cut major sources of funding for Medicaid, SNAP and many other services. ( Signed on to letter in January.) We focused on a bill to limit the damage caused by Oregon’s rolling connection to federal income tax law, since legislation to disconnect from the federal law failed in the 2025 long session. This session SB 1507 A passed (Senate (17-13) on Feb. 16 and House (34/21/4/1) on Feb. 25 ) that disconnected from certain sections of the federal code that the Legislative Revenue Office (LRO) reported would save Oregon $311.6 million in revenue this biennium and $313.9 million in the 2027-29 biennium, while providing increased funding for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at a cost of $26.2 and $52.7 million per biennium respectively. The League has long supported an increase in the EITC. Summaries of the 44-page bill and its amendments can be found here . LWVOR testimony in support. At least one legislator is considering collecting signatures to place portions of the bill on the ballot per this Oregonlive article. Of concern is that the referral process allows petitioners to select parts of the bill. In this case, they could leave off the increase in the EITC while only asking voters to stop the disconnect—which, in part, is expected to pay for that EITC increase. HB 5204 is the final bill that balances the budget as required by state law. In the bill, the legislature made over $128 million in cuts , mostly in agency services and supplies and by not filling vacancies and shifting remaining funds around to fill in some gaps. This was fewer cuts than anticipated at the start of the session. But they also funded or rebalanced some agency programs and staff. The -2 amendment was adopted . See the 4 Analysis documents for the budget additions and reductions, Budget Notes and final LFO recommendation. Passed the House and Senate Mar. 6. Oregonlive article and the Oregon Capital Chronicle addressed the 2025-27 budget rebalance. The Oregonian did a final budget review . SB 1601 was the Program Change bill. The -3 amendment was adopted and includes rebalance of ODOT’s programs in Section 11-23 and clarifies the 1% of lottery monies for county fair upgrades and repairs. Passed the Senate and House Mar 6. SB 5701 amends the limits established during the 2025 legislative session for the maximum amount of bonds and other financing agreements that state agencies may issue. The proceeds from the issuance of bonds are included as revenues in agency budgets. The -2 amendment and the LFO Recommendation includes increases in general obligation and lottery revenue bonds authorized. Bond sales are not anticipated until the spring of 2027. Passed the Senate and House Mar. 6. SB 5702 : Establishes and modifies limits on payment of expenses from specified funds by certain state for capital construction . Capital Construction 6-year limitation. -1 amendment LFO Recommendation Mar. 5 passed Senate. Mar. 6 passed House. SB 5703 : Modifies amounts allocated from the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund, Veterans' Services Fund, Criminal Fine Account, Oregon Marijuana Account and Fund for Student Success. Mar. 5 passed Senate. Mar. 6 passed House. HB 5203 : Approves certain new or increased fees adopted by state agencies. The bill includes the Dept. of State Lands Wetlands processing fees set forth during rulemaking for which the League engaged. Fee Ratification. LFO Recommendation Mar. 6 Passed the House and Senate. SB 1510 : Updates the terminology used to describe certain income earned by multinational corporations to reflect a change in the term used in federal law a bill. This omnibus bill, with amendments, would provide an opportunity to explore additional tax policy for consideration in the 2027 session. It is easier to understand the many provisions of SB 1510 by reviewing the summary provided by the Legislative Revenue Office of the bill and its -4 amendments . Feb. 24: Passed the Senate (28/1/1). Passed the House Mar. 4. HB 4014 : Establishes the Task Force on Taxation of International Income with the amendments. -2 amendment replaced the “study” bill. Staff Measure Summary . Due to this complicated tax policy, parties agreed to use the interim to consider impacts on this federal tax policy on Oregon revenue. Passed the House floor (32/26/2). On to the Senate floor at adjournment. Business interests want to have this conversation behind closed doors rather than an open public Task Force. The bill died but the conversation will continue. SB 1511 : A bill modifying the estate tax that would have increased the $1 million exemption to the estate tax to $2.5 million failed this session. The tax rates would have been greatly increased for the highest valued estates but fewer estates would pay an estate tax. For the first biennium, the revenue would have been about the same as our current estate tax SB 1511 . The revenue staff provided this analysis on the A -3 amendment that was approved by the Senate) with no expected revenue loss for this biennium, but $35 million by 2029-31. The bill did not pass out of House Revenue by end of session, but may be back in the long session. Two bills focused on increasing tax incentives for economic development faced intense debate and scrutiny, and one , SB 1586 , was withdrawn on March 3 due to much public outcry about tax breaks for data centers and the expansion of the Metro’s Urban Growth Boundary into land zoned as rural agricultural land, in violation of the 2014 Grand Bargain. OPB provided an article on this contentious bill. LWVOR testimony in opposition to the bill and additional testimony opposing the -7 amendment . The bill remained in Senate Finance and Revenue at the end of session, but is likely back in some form in 2027. The other economic development bill, HB 4084 A introduced by Governor Kotek, would fast track the permitting process for certain new business development t o be completed within 120 days, by means of a specially appointed Joint Permitting Council to oversee the each permitting agency’s permitting process. This section of the bill aligns with a federal program: Permitting Council’s FAST-41 Assistance for States. In addition, in the bill as introduced, all local property taxes abatements for Enterprise Zones were to be extended. This bill was also controversial because of these extensions since it would allow data centers which are hotly contested throughout the US, and which are the primary recipients of these tax credits, to not pay local property taxes for many years. After several amendments, three were incorporated into the final bill. LWVOR comments . The final bill included these provisions as summarized by LRO: Removes the $40 million General Fund appropriation to OBDD for deposit into the Industrial Site Loan Fund. (However, HB 5204 included $10 million for the Regional Infrastructure Fund, $5 million to support horse racing events at county fairgrounds, $5 million cash and $10 million bonds into the Industrial Site Loan Fund, and $10 million in lottery bond funds. The bonding bill provided targeted investments in sewer and water projects statewide to help with increased housing development demands.) Modifies SB 1507 (2026) to limit the tax credit for job creation to certain specified qualified industries. To qualify for the tax credit, a taxpayer must receive an attestation-based certification from Business Oregon, who will develop the tax credit application process, establish job creation determination methodology, and further define the term “qualified industry” through rulemaking. Excludes any qualified property of an authorized business in an enterprise zone with an operating data center from entering into a written agreement with the enterprise zone sponsor to 1) extend the period during which the qualified property is exempt from taxation beyond the allowable three years; 2) agree to flexible hiring timelines; and 3) approve alternative performance criteria. Prohibits data center properties from authorization as an eligible business firm prior to 90 days after the adjournment of the 2027 legislative session. An amendment was added at the end that puts this one-year moratorium on all new data center development certifications by Business Oregon, starting three months after the close of session. This allows the Governor’s Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee time to consider the various impacts of data center development on Oregon, and to report back to the Legislature with their recommendations. It also limits the existing Standard Enterprise (for urban areas) tax break to three years, but allows all other currently operating data centers, including those in rural areas of the state, to continue to receive tax breaks through the extended time periods as outlined in the bill. Oregonlive provided a great analysis of the impact of data centers. Oregonlive update on data centers in this legislation. Oregon data center operators will save nearly a half-billion dollars in local property taxes this year through three different incentive programs. Kotek’s legislation, House Bill 4084 , would expand the fastest growing of those three programs. HB 4148 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. The -7 amendment adopted that changes the percentage to 50/50 and passed the House floor Feb. 25 (40/12/4/4). Mar. 5 Passed the Senate (23/6/1). SJR 201 : Kicker Reform: Proposed an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a portion of surplus revenue that would otherwise be returned to personal income taxpayers to be used for funding public kindergarten through grade 12 education, community colleges and wildfire prevention and suppression, if surplus revenue exceeds a certain threshold. OPB covered a story about the bill . T he League has long supported kicker reform but we also note that, with our new state economist, another kicker is not expected in the near term. The bill did not get a Work Session. HB 4136 : Disallows, for purposes of personal income taxation, a mortgage interest deduction for a residence other than the taxpayer’s principal residence , unless the taxpayer sells the residence or actively markets the residence for sale. The bill had one public hearing on Feb. 16 and died in committee. The League is hopeful that a version of this bill will return in 2027. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process — potential kicker reform. Public Hearing Feb. 2. The bill died in Committee . On Feb. 20, the US Supreme Court declared that President Trump does not have authority to impose widespread tariffs under a specific federal statute. Oregon’s Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, led the coalition of states arguing that the President did not have this authority. HB 4061 B passed that provides monies to help Oregon businesses hurt by these tariffs. Budget Report . The bill passed the House on Mar. 3 and passed the Senate Mar. 6. On Thursday Mar. 5, Rayfield and officials from 23 other states filed a lawsuit against the new tariff at the U.S. Court of International Trade, with Oregon again leading the way. “Budget aftershocks from the Trump cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will keep hitting Oregon in future years,” said Senator Jama. “Oregon lawmakers must continue working together to make resources stretch and to help families thrive.” As we await the May 20th Revenue Forecast, we watch for data that may change the forecast. Oregonlive reports that Oregon exports are down. Then we now have a war with Iran that, so far, has increased gas and diesel prices. That increases costs to state agencies, local governments, Oregon businesses and individuals. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain — supply more than a third of the world’s urea, an important nitrogen fertilizer, and nearly a quarter of another one, ammonia. And they all use the Strait of Hormuz to export their products. So that means less food production and an increase in food prices. The February national jobs report was not good (loss of almost 100,000 jobs) and the national unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. (In Oregon, we’re at 5.2%.) As we watch the U.S. and Oregon’s economy, we note the Oregon Capital Chronicle Jobs Report article , of special concern as Oregon is an income tax state. According to this Oregonlive article , Oregonians are working the fewest hours since 2010. Oregon workers are spending less time on the job, another indication that the state’s labor market continues to sag. The average Oregonian worked less than 33 hours a week in December, according to federal data. That’s the lowest number since 2010, when the state was still digging out from the Great Recession — even worse than the sharp decline that accompanied the pandemic. As we continue to be concerned about the economy, we note a study related to AI: Brookings Institution study on AI job losses and adaptability points out metros most at risk – Portland Business Journal Roughly 30% of workers displaced by artificial intelligence will struggle to find new jobs, according to a new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research and Brookings Institution. While 70% of highly AI-exposed workers would likely be able to transition to another job, the rest may have trouble adapting “due to limited savings, advanced age, scarce local opportunities, and/or narrow skill sets. ”What’s more, of the displaced workers in low-adaptive jobs, 86% are women. The League will continue to work with the Oregon Revenue Coalition and others as we address the need for increased revenue to pay for the services Oregonians need. The Ways and Means Co-Chairs warn of increased demand and federal funding cuts for the 2027-29 and 2029-31 biennia. It's time to work with state agencies as they develop their 2027-29 budgets. Here’s some budget guidance that agencies have received: 2027-29 Budget Guidance: Governor's Letter and CFO 2027-29 Budget POP Guidance . Bottom line: The Governor has asked state agencies to provide a “neutral” budget. If they want to add a program or staff, they need to find a program or staff to remove from their budget request. You can contact the agency you want to engage with as they work to provide proposals to the Governor around June. See other sections of the Legislative Report for information about specific agencies or areas of concern.

Event page for the LWVOR Fall Workshop. Event is closed. Fall Workshop 2023 Thank you for attending LWVOR's Fall Workshop! Please let us know about your experience at the event. Submit your evaluation form here . Agenda 10:00 AM Welcome from Board and guest speakers, coffee and pastries 10:10 AM LWV Liaison for Oregon: Alexis Juday-Marshall 10:20 AM Membership and Leadership Development (MLD) Update 10:30 AM Voter Service Update: Peggy Bengry, Ballot Measure Chair 10:45 AM Outreach Circle presentation (virtual) 11:15 AM Lunch 11:30 AM Keynote Speaker (Elections Director Molly Woon) through Lunch (virtual) 12:30 PM Youth Council / Oregon Student Mock Election / Youth Outreach Workshop + Facilitated Q&A 1:45 PM Closing remarks Program Printable program available here , featuring speaker bios and full event agenda. Keynote and LWVUS Speaker Biographies Molly Woon (she/her) - Elections Director Molly is the Elections Director and is responsible for the administration of Oregon's vote by mail elections system by working closely with state agencies, 36 counties throughout Oregon, and the division’s dedicated staff. She oversees the state initiative, referendum and candidate processes, as well as campaign finance regulations and state voting resources. Born and raised in the Northwest, this is Molly’s second stint working in the Secretary of State's Office. In 2015 and 2016, she served as the Communications Director for Oregon Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins, overseeing communications for implementation of the Oregon’s first-in-the-nation system of automatic voter registration, Oregon Motor Voter. Read more. Alexis Juday-Marshall (she/her) - LWV Liaison to Oregon Alexis Juday-Marshall joined the League of Women Voters in late 2018. During her time in the Washington State League, Alexis was a member of the Observer Corps, which presented an opportunity to see government in action and to promote transparency and accountability in government processes. As a climate action guide and co-chair of the Environmental Committee of King County/Seattle, she collaborated with other members and local officials to increase public engagement on climate change matters. She also served as a Delegate for the LWVUS for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. Read more. Luana Chaires (she/her) - LWVUS Digital Relational Organizing Manager Luana Chaires is a digital relational organizing manager with the League of Women Voters where she is using her direct-service and advocacy experiences to increase equity in democracy by working closely with League affiliates. Additionally, Luana works directly with state and local Leagues to strengthen their digital organizing muscle and oversee the development and rollout of League In Action nationwide. You can learn more about Luana and her colleagues' work here . Luana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from St. Edward’s University. Throughout her undergraduate career, Luana became committed to better understanding the principle of fair equal representation. As a Ronald McNair scholar, Luana focused her undergraduate research on evaluating the impact of independent redistricting commissions have on voter turnout and level of competition in congressional elections. Read more. Youth Council Speaker Biographies Celine Ioffe (she/her) - LWVOR Youth Council President Celine is a high school senior in Portland and LWV Washington County member who is passionate about reproductive justice and our legal system. She is actively involved in Columbia Willamette Teen Council, a peer education and leadership program where members learn medically accurate and inclusive sexual health information, lead classroom presentations and organize events in schools and their communities around sexual health awareness. Celine interned for a DUI and domestic violence law firm last summer, and plans to attend university and law school after graduating in summer of 2024. She will be leading a diverse team of Youth Council members to build effective power in their communities to achieve their goals. Read more. CHRIS WALKER (he/him) - LWVOR Off-Board Liaison and Youth Council Vice President Chris Walker is a Legislative Scholar advocating for more affordable higher education at the University of Oregon while majoring in Planning, Public Policy and Management, with a minor in Business Administration. Chris ran a nonprofit serving disadvantaged Oregon youth, has interned in Congress, and on Friday, February 10th, 2023 he was appointed to a ground-breaking role as a strong, influential voice as the League of Women Voters of Oregon Youth Liaison. Chris feels a definite stake in the commitment of our state and local Leagues to encourage youth leadership, and is mentoring a new LWVOR Youth Council inviting youth across Oregon to get connected and involved by emailing him at youthcrew@lwvor.org or messaging on their Instagram at @lwvoryouthcouncil Read more. NIVEDITA GIANI (she/her) - LWVOR Youth Council Advocacy Chair Nivedita Giani is attending Sunset High School and is a member of the League of Women Voters of Portland. She is passionate about advocating for climate justice, reproductive rights, and workplace equity. She is currently the national delegate for Sunrise PDX, an organization committed to combating climate change. She is actively involved in a local campaign as well as a national campaign to help make public transportation more accessible and widespread. She is a staunch advocate for the Green New Deal due to the prospect of decarbonization and sustainable good paying union jobs for all. Read more. DEENIE BULYALERT (they/she) - LWVOR Youth Council DEIJ Co-Chair and Events Chair Deenie is the DEIJ co-chair and Planning and Events Chair of the League of Women Voters of Oregon Youth Council and they are excited to build effective civic engagement in Oregon communities. They are passionate about nonprofit work and advocacy for marginalized communities, specifically LGBTQ+, BIPOC and disabled youth. Deenie believes in the fight for improved mental health access for all and runs a coalition to support their efforts in these areas. Read more. MILANA SLOAN (she/her) - LWVOR Youth Council DEIJ Co-Chair and Youth Vote Committee Mila Sloan is attending University of Oregon majoring in Public Planning, Policy and Management and is a member of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. She is passionate about social justice for marginalized communities and has active volunteer and nonprofit experience with HIV Alliance in Eugene with formal training on Diversity, Equity, Harm Reduction, and Inclusive Language in relation to sexual orientation and health. Read more. DEIJ Toolkit A DEIJ Resource for League Members Learn more about DEIJ practices for your League and community. Get the Toolkit Youth Council Slides Learn more about Youth Council Book a Youth Council speaker! Youth Council Fall Workshop presentation slides Outreach Circle/League In Action Resources More about League In Action/OutreachCircle Thank you to our sponsors and supporters! Members of the League of Women Voters

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 4/14 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Bottle Bill Update Budgets/Revenue Climate Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Services Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Solid Waste Water Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY SB 726 A requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR supports. The amended bill passed the Senate 17 to 10 with 3 excused and now heads to the House. Per the fiscal impact statement, the advanced technology specified in the bill would cost local governments operating certain large landfills approximately $5,000 per monitoring event, or $20,000 annually per landfill, but the bill doesn’t cost the state so it continues as a policy bill. AGRICULTURE By Sandra Bishop By Sandra Bishop HB 2647 passed out of committee with the -3 amendment to allow the city of Monmouth a land swap to remove and replace land to its UGB. It now heads to the House floor for a vote. HB 3921 is a similar bill in that it would allow by law land swaps for City of Roseburg/Douglas County per this preliminary staff analysis . The bill passed out of committee and heads to the House floor for a vote. HB 3928 would allow counties to supersede all statewide land use planning laws to site housing on rural lands. This bill died in committee. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) meeting on March 20th included a public hearing on rulemaking for solar siting in eastern Oregon. The rules are required to implement HB 3409 (2023 session), specifically to reduce conflicts in siting solar projects. The rules will be considered for adoption by July 1st, 2025. The public comment period has been extended to April 30. Proposed rule amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 660 divisions 4, 6, 23, and 33, pertaining to Goal Exceptions, Forest Lands, Goal 5, and Agricultural Lands. Submit comments to: denise.johnson@dlcd.oregon.gov gordon.howard@dlcd.oregon.gov jon.jinings@dlcd.oregon.gov adam.tate@dlcd.oregon.gov SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill did not get a work session and has died in committee. LWVOR testified in support of SB 78 . Oregonlive had an article noting the lack of success in many of the “protect ag land” bills. SB 1129 requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) to amend rules on urban reserves, clarifying which lands should be given a lower priority. The -1 amendment was adopted and the bill is headed to the Senate floor for a vote. BOTTLE BILL UPDATE By Sandra Bishop SB 992 is the omnibus bottle bill. The -3 amendment replaced the original bill, was adopted and the bill now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. HB 3940 , the omnibus wildfire funding bill, passed out of committee after adopting the -1 amendment without recommendation as to passage and was referred to House Revenue by prior reference. The increased bottle bill fee, although contested, has stayed in the bill. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch The Co-Chairs of Ways and Means provided their framework for the 2025-27 state budget. Note on the last page the potential effect of federal budget cuts. This Oregonlive article suggests some of the most painful cuts. Each day we learn of more and more federal funding that were assumed to be. Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Meeting Materials Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13 Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet Meeting Materials . info mtgs. April 7-9, public hearing April 16. The League will provide testimony. Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials , public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 , public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; Meeting Materials , Apr. 3 ODFW Hatchery Assessment; Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials (See Wildfire section for more information.) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4 , mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. On March 25 the bill was moved to Senate Rules without recommendation. A performance audit was prepared. The League awaits the results. The League will continue to be involved in SB 836 because we need DOGAMI staff to do more than 14% inspections of mining operations. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase. It has passed the Senate. A public hearing is set on April 16 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. OPRD will need additional revenue sources for the 2027-29 biennium. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 Info hearing March 17. public hearing March 19. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony in support. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 (Bill moved to Ways and Means) and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & P ublic hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & P ublic hearing Feb. 25-26 Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17. Public Hearing 3/18 Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 info hearing 4/7&8. Public hearing 4/09; Office of the Governor: SB 5523 Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20. Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. Here is an article from oregonlive reporting on the potential 2025 transportation package with proposed revenue sources. The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06. Meeting Materials Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing in April. Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be a vehicle to accept testimony from the public during six community meetings around the state from March 22 ending April 25 on the public’s priorities for the 2025-27 budget. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing in April. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that m odifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. The bill p assed the full Senate unanimously. A public hearing is set for April 17 in the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment . Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage . Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member served on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. On Feb. 26 the advisory committee approved the Fiscal Impact Statement. A public comment period is expected in May. You are welcome to Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via GovDelivery . The League again served on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases. A meeting was held on Feb. 25th where the committee agreed to forward their recommendation for the allowed annual 3% fee increase to the DEQ Director. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025 . DEPT. OF STATE LANDS (DSL) DSL is seeking comments on a proposed sale of state-owned land located on the south shore of the western side of Hayden Island in Multnomah County. The 45-day comment period is open from March 5 – April 19. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) SB 147 clarifies the management of the ESRF into the hands of the Dept. of State Lands and sets up a separate fund account for monies received to manage the forest. The - 3 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources will have an informational meeting on the ESRF on April 17. EMERGENCY SERVICES By Rebecca Gladstone The League spoke and filed testimony on HB 2581 in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has passed the House and is on the Senate floor, awaiting third reading. FORESTRY (ODF) By Josie Koehne The League will continue to follow SB 1051 , assigned to the Senate Rules Committee and which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. A public hearing was held March 24. Because the bill is in Senate Rules, there is no current deadline for action on the bill. See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies : This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. The League will continue to be engaged with potential meetings in May and June. We continue to watch a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255 , HB 2303 , HB 2402 and HB 2427 . We are also concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership. Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures . LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra Bishop/Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939 , a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported HB 3031 A (already sitting in Ways and Means) but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means. Other bills we are following: HB 2138 : Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands, filed at the request of the Governor. The -6 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These lands are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. The -4 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to Revenue with a subsequent referral to Ways and Means. HB 3062 : Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. The bill died in committee. HB 3757 is having an “informational meeting” on April 21st in the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness . The bill is, we believe, dead, but there must have been some interest by the committee to learn more about the proposal to allow four additional housing units on rural lands. This could be a precursor for a bill to be considered in the 2026 session. See also the Agriculture section above and the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. SOLID WASTE HB 3794 : Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley was sent to Ways and Means . The Gazette Times covered the back story . WATER By Peggy Lynch The League has been engaged for many years around the issue of exempt wells—their allowed water use and lack of measurement of that water. In particular we are concerned about those domestic wells that are allowed to use up to 5,000 gallons of water for personal use and can be used by three dwellings, so the usage can be up to 15,000 gallons. HB 3372 was amended by -5 amendment and passed out of committee on a 6 to3 vote. The League provided testimony in support of the original bill to study this issue. The amendment significantly changed the bill to allow 3,000 gallons of water to be used for commercial gardens. We asked that our testimony be removed from OLIS since it did not reflect the original bill. Bills we are following in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water : Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority ( HB 3806 ). A - 5 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ) . A - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill now goes to the House floor for a vote. Contested Case Process Improvements ( HB 3544 ). A - 5 amendment was adopted and the bill moves to Ways and Means. Place-Based Water Planning ( HB 3116 ) A - 6 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. League supports the original bill but has not engaged in the current proposed amendment. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Right, Dam Safety, and Well Related Fees ( HB 2803 League support . The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies. HB 2808 League support (Bill moved to Ways and Means) Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. Other water bills we are following: HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. The -6 amendment was adopted and the bill was moved to House Rules without recommendation for further discussion. HB 3526 would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League supported this concept in past sessions and did again this session , but the bill died in committee . HB 3364 makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept. The - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to the House floor for a vote. HB 2988 : Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. The -5 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to Ways and Means. The fiscal impact statement was incomplete but will be needed before it is considered for final passage. Many of these water bills were sent with “fiscal light” statements. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. Possible work session scheduled for April 8 . SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office, may have more of a chance of passage. It had a public hearing on March 25 with a work session April 8. These bills were moved to Senate Rules without recommendation as to passage to allow for further conversation. HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League provided testimony in support. The -5 amendment was adopted, and the bill was moved to Ways and Means without a complete fiscal impact statement that will be needed before the bill can be voted on. The League is VERY supportive of the portal and agencies working together. However, we are concerned about the cost of this expansion of the program. SB 1154 was amended by the -1 amendment and sent to Senate Rules without recommendation as to passage in a 4 to 1 vote. An article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle explains the bill and its controversy: The updated Groundwater Quality Protection Act would establish thresholds for contaminants that automatically qualify them as critical groundwater management areas. It would also create a new designation for “groundwater areas of concern,” where contaminants are detected but a threshold for declaring the area in critical condition hasn’t quite been met. The Oregon Health Authority would be in charge of informing the public and helping with testing and providing safe drinking water; the Oregon Water Resources Department would be in charge of regulating water flows and rights; the Oregon Department of Agriculture would take on agricultural polluters and mitigating farm pollution; the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality would take on any changes needed to protect groundwater through industrial water permitting; and other agencies would be involved as needed, according to Ferrari. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. The good news is currently Oregon is NOT in drought! We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body WETLANDS A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers A fast-moving week in wildfire legislation began April 7 with a Public Hearing on SB 1177 before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. This bill would establish the Oregon Wildfire Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and redirect the “kicker” to it, one- time, for financing wildfire related expenses, by using the interest earned. A 5% return would yield approximately $170-180 million per year, about half of what is expected to be the average ongoing cost per year of funding wildfire. Tax Fairness Oregon testified in favor of the bill. Next, this same committee heard SJR 11 , which would dedicate a fixed, to-be-determined percentage of net proceeds of the State Lottery to a wildfire fund created by the Legislature. Its passage would mean an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which would have to go to the voters for approval. HB 3666 had a Work Session before the House Committee on Judiciary, also on April 7. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. It was referred to the Rules Committee. April 8, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire held a Work Session on SB 83 , which would, once again, repeal the State Wildfire Hazard map. This would result in the many changes to current statutes, since references to the map would have to be removed, and would have far reaching consequences including establishing standards for building codes and defensible space which can be adopted by municipalities, changing the definition and mapping of the wildland urban interface, and many other areas. The -9 Amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. This article from The Statesman Journal offers further insights. At the same meeting, the -2 Amendment to SB 85 , was adopted, and the bill was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. This bill directs the State Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant program to help communities collectively reduce their wildfire risk. The League supports this bill as an extension of the work done in previous sessions. HB 3940 , the omnibus wildfire funding bill, passed out of committee after adopting the -1 amendment without recommendation as to passage and was referred to House Revenue by prior reference. HB 3947 : Increases the amount of the estimate of revenues that will be received from General Fund revenue sources other than corporate income and excise taxes for the biennium beginning July 1, 2023. The bill died in committee. SB 75 A , which defines “high wildfire hazard area for purposes of developing an accessory dwelling unit on lands zoned rural residential, or a replacement building on lands zoned for resource uses, was passed unanimously by the Senate and moves to the House. There are two harvest tax bills being heard in House Revenue on April 17: HB 2072 Extends certain taxes on the privilege of harvesting merchantable forest products on forestlands. HB 3489 Imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland. The Legislative Revenue Office will begin the hearing by providing a staff report on the legislation. The League has supported a severance tax in past sessions. Bills we are watching: Senate Bill 1051 , Governor Kotek is seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester. The Board of Forestry will begin the recruitment process at its April 23rd Board meeting. SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. The -3 amendment was adopted and the bill in a 4-2 vote was passed to the Senate floor. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Become a member of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. / Join / Get Involved Attend An Event Events take place around the state. Button Become a Member Join your local League! Button Donate Support our work. Button Learn more Empowering Oregon voters. Button Button Button Button Button Volunteer With the League Volunteers are vital to our success. There are plenty of ways to get involved with the League depending on your interest, skills, and availability. Check out the various volunteer teams below. Training and mentorship is provided in all areas! Climate Emergency Advocates year round for a variety of agency rules, policies and budgets that are consistent with the best available climate science and that will ensure a stable climate system for future generations. LWVOR supports the Our Children’s Trust/Crag Environmental Law Center state and federal lawsuits and we oppose expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. Volunteer opportunities: -Following policy at the state and local levels. -Training with LWVOR Advocacy Committee. -Working with legislators to affect policy changes. -Drafting Letters To the Editor, testimony, Action Alerts, and more! Areas of interest: -Natural and Working lands -Transportation -Climate Related Lawsuits -Public Health Climate Adaptation -Oregon Treasury: ESG investing and fossil fuel divestment Main contact: Claudia Keith - climatepolicy@lwvor.org VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture, Transportation and ODOT state agency, Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust, Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA), Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team), State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services), CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets, Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment, Community Resilience Links: Climate Emergency Reports Governance Governance advocacy issues including ethics, efficiency, citizen participation and access, public access law, and contemporary privacy and technology issues. Election policies include laws and administrative rules, campaign finance, redistricting, and alternative voting methods. Areas of interest: -Redistricting -Campaign Finance -Cybersecurity -Voting Rights -Elections Main contact: lwvor@lwvor.org Links: Governance Reports Redistricting Campaign Finance VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Budget/Revenue Social Policy The broad Social Policy area includes: housing, adult corrections, education, judiciary, juvenile justice, public safety, gun safety, violence preventions, health care, mental health, immigration and refugees, foster care, social services, and women’s issues. Actively lobbies for anti-poverty programs to help low income and at-risk people move toward financial stability. Volunteer opportunities: -Following policy at the state and local levels. -Training with LWVOR Advocacy Committee. -Working with legislators to affect policy changes. -Drafting Letters To the Editor, testimony, Action Alerts, and more! Areas of interest: -Human rights -Immigration, Refugees & Asylum Seekers -GLBTQ+ -Basic Human Needs Main contact: Jean Pierce - SocialPolicy@lwvor.org VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Public Safety, Basic Needs: Food, Basic Needs: Income, Juvenile Justice Links: Social Policy Reports Natural Resources Works year-round on improving air quality, combating climate change, coastal management, clean energy, proper disposal of hazardous materials and solid waste, conservation, land use, parks, clean and abundant water supply for all, wetlands protection and other resource preservation, and budgets related to Oregon’s 14 natural resource agencies. Volunteer opportunities: -Following policy at the state and local levels. -Training with LWVOR Advocacy Committee. -Working with legislators to affect policy changes. -Drafting Letters To the Editor, testimony, Action Alerts, and more! Areas of interest: -Air Quality -Land Quality -Recycling and Waste Prevention -Coastal Programs -Fish and Wildlife -Columbia River Gorge -Geology and Mineral Industries -Oregon Marine Board -Parks and Recreation -Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Main contact: Peggy Lynch - peggylynchor@gmail.com Links: Natural Resources Reports VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Air Quality (Dept. of Environmental Quality), Columbia River Gorge Commission, Environmental Restoration Council, Hanford Cleanup, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Water Enhancement Board, Parks and Recreation Dept., Pesticides and Toxics, Recycling/Materials Management (Dept. of Environmental Quality) Youth Engagement Join our Youth Outreach committee for opportunities around youth civic engagement, mentorship, event support, and voter outreach. Support our growing Youth Council operated by young Oregonians from around the state and our award-winning Oregon Student Mock Election! Examples of volunteer opportunities: -Mentoring Youth Council members -Supporting Oregon Student Mock Elections in your local schools -Supporting youth civic engagement events -Youth voter registration drives at high schools and college campuses Main contact: Diana DeMaria and Mimi Alkire - youthoutreach@lwvor.org Links: Youth Council Oregon Student Mock Election Voter Engagement Do you have a passion for being an election observer? Are you interested in helping host a forum for local candidates on the 2026 ballot? The LWVOR Voter Service team is interested in talking to you! We are looking for volunteers who are interested in many aspects of the Voter Education process, including helping run a voter registration drive, researching ballot measures, distributing Voters’ Guides to local locations, and more! Examples of volunteer opportunities: -VOTE411.org candidate and ballot measure reasearch -Voters' Guides -Voter registration drives in your community -Election forums -Election observers Main contact: lwvor@lwvor.org Links: VOTE411.org Voting In Oregon Let's Make A Change Here are some ways you can donate: Donate By Mail The League of Women Voters of Oregon 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Online Make a tax deductible donation‏. Click to Give Investments Learn more about giving to the League. Learn more

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice resources for members of the League of Women Voters. / DEIJ In The League / DEIJ In the League Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Toolkit A DEIJ Resource for League Members Learn more about DEIJ practices for your League and community. Get the Toolkit

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Sine Die Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity and Privacy Election Methods Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics Access Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance In the final days of the legislative session only one bill, SB 166 , the SoS’s omnibus elections bill, passed that included any campaign finance provisions. It included an aggregate annual contribution limit of $100 cash. We understand this was a result of huge contributions being given to the Democratic Party of Oregon and others in cash. Cash is, of course, untraceable. See also IP 9 below. Redistricting SB 166 also included a provision that will help all initiative campaigns, requiring that single signature e-sheets only need to be signed once. Previously, these petitions had to be signed a second time to certify the same signature above. This bill was effective immediately upon the Governor signing it. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP (Initiative Petition) 14 petition sheets that are downloadable from its website. This petition would institute an independent redistricting commission. Thousands of signatures have already been collected and more donations are needed. The petition is due July 5, 2024, requiring some 160,000 valid signatures of Oregon registered voters. Elections, Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone Many bills passed in the final hectic flurry after the 43-day Senate walkout. We worked on several of these over numerous legislative sessions. They all reflect privacy and cybersecurity. Elections SCR 1 : Early in the session the League condemned (citing SCR 1 text), “in the strongest possible terms, violence and threats of violence against election workers, and we call on all leaders to denounce these dangerous occurrences; and be it further Resolved, That we applaud the Oregon Association of County Clerks and all election workers for their professionalism and dedication to upholding fair and safe elections.” The SCR passed on partisan lines. League SCR 1 testimony respectfully urged for the protective legislation that we called for in 2022, with our testimony for HB 4144 . The protections in SB 166 omit the coverage we called for, extending to anyone subject to election harassment: candidates, lawful protesters, public servants, and volunteers. See further protections in HB 3111 below. SB 166 clarifies protections for election workers, ballot secrecy, the right to vote, and cybersecurity defense plans. Our elections are critical infrastructure and merit the League’s priority rating. We urged amending to expand protections to address privacy and harassment concerns. Our early session testimony predated a transparency amendment that we supported to limit cash “physical currency” contributions to directly address dark money concerns, of $100 annually, for aggregated campaign contributions. HB 3073 protects candidate and incumbent home address privacy. Certifying candidate filing depends on verifying in-district residence with a home address that needn’t be publicized and will still be available through public records request. See League support . HB 2107 extends Automatic Voter Registration to Oregon Health Plan patients. The League supports this improvement in government efficiency, expanding Oregon #MotorVoter . This brings the No Wrong Door health care concept of safety nets, networking services to support individuals, a step closer to “you’re in the right place and we are here to help you”. We opposed HB 2585 , to end “Motor Voter” voter registration. Now we should work on the underperforming party registration postcards. HB 5035 , the SoS’s budget bill, passed with League support focused on election issues of replacing filing and contribution software, risk-limiting audits, and election security. SB 167 : This extensive elections issue adjustment bill was heard but failed to receive a committee vote, possibly relating to concurrent Secretary of State’s resignation. Our testimony addressed many of the issues raised, including calling again for establishing an efficient electronic filing system. Cybersecurity HB 2049 establishes the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to defend our critical infrastructures ( our testimony ). It passed with severely short funding, despite a concurrent global cyber-attack. (See LWVOR Newsroom, Oregon DMV Data Breach could affect 3.5 million Oregonians ). This effort had full committee support during this and the 2022 session. HB 2490 endeavors to defend our cybersecurity plans from public disclosure. League support . HB 2806 passed to support updating statute for cybersecurity, privacy and safety of executive sessions, public meetings, and our critical infrastructures. See League support . HB 3127 : This “TikTok” bill relates to security of state assets and social media access. We plan to develop coverage with a growing League youth perspective. Privacy These privacy bills passed after two sessions with strong committee urging and League attendance for the Consumer Privacy Task Force since 2019, this from the DoJ on AG Rosenblum’s efforts . ● SB 619 will protect consumers’ personal data. This was listed as “ A possible walkout casualty: a privacy law for Oregonians ”. See our testimony in support . ● HB 2052 This data broker registry bill is a first in the nation, passing with strong support this session. See League testimony in support. We spoke for the public right to know, for broadband access, juror pay, and with a DEI lens to adequate funding of our understaffed and funded Judicial Department. Balancing privacy and transparency are addressed together in our positions. ● SB 5512 , the Judicial Department budget, passed unanimously despite absences. Our testimony . ● HB 3201 for broadband assistance, allocated federal funding and passed, initially on partisan lines. The League signed a coalition letter in support . ● HB 2224 this juror pay bill passed unanimously from committee, but died in W&Ms. League testimony . SB 1073 , to establish a Chief Privacy Officer, failed to progress in W&M despite League support . Public Records HB 3111 addresses information privacy, clarifying disclosure exemption for state employees, volunteers, and retirees. Our testimony also referred to our 2022 HB 4144 testimony . SB 510 : This relatively unnoticed Public Records Advisory budget bill passed with League support . HB 5032 addressed funds related to the Public Records Advocate. League support cites our extensive 2017 public records law work. Two bills from the Public Records Advisory Council addressed public records requests, both failing. Progress was stymied despite League support as the Senate Rules Chair requested stakeholder Task Force met for months to refine references to “media”, set fee waivers, and reasonable response times. ● SB 160 would have reduced fees for public records requests made in the public interest, League testimony . ● SB 417 would have addressed trending public records request campaigns observed trying to overwhelm public agencies, including Elections offices ( press ). Election Methods By Barbara Klein On the last day of the legislative session, the final version of HB 2004 for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) was passed as a referral to voters. The Senate voted 17-8 and the House 34-17. The Senate president and House speaker signed the bill on June 29; filed with the SOS on 7/6, and the bill was referred to the ballot on July 18. HB 2004 establishes RCV as the voting method for selecting the winner of nomination for, and election to, offices of US President, US State Senator and Representatives in Congress, Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Attorney General. The Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner will be included, but that election is held during the primary. It does not include the Oregon state legislature House or Senate seats. The bill is referred to the November 2024 general election ballot, and with much input from county election officials, would be implemented in 2028. LWVOR has been a strong supporter of RCV and of this bill, one of 39 Oregon organizations working in coalition towards its passage. This is a historic win for the state, and is the first time that any legislature in the United States has referred a statewide RCV bill to the ballot. The League, along with the coalition and other allied groups or interested leaders, will continue to support, and most importantly educate voters as they make their 2024 choice. Ballot Measures continue. The League will continue to follow several proposed ballot measures (in numerical order). IP 9 measure regarding Campaign Finance Reform, entitled (by petitioners) as Honest Elections: Fight Political Corruption and Require Disclosure and Transparency. The League endorsed, and petitions are circulating. IP 11 measure requires statewide use of STAR -Score then Automatic Runoff voting. The measure includes all statewide, county, city or special districts elections offices, including State Senators and State Representatives, Circuit Court Judges and District Attorneys. Also covered are federal offices of President, Senator, and Representative. (There is an exception for any county, city, district, special district, and metropolitan service district office that has already adopted an alternative system such as approval or ranked choice voting). Measure has received a certified title. IP 14 See elsewhere in this report People Not Politicians (peoplenotpoliticiansoregon.com) . The League has endorsed. IP 16 (see IP 26) IP 19 Oregon Election Reform Act. From the Oregon Election Reform Coalition, this statutory measure is described as a Final Five Open Primary, using RCV or STAR in the general. LWVOR has endorsed IP 19, now by way of a new League position on Open Primaries adopted by concurrence at our May 2023 convention. IP 26 measure from All Oregon Votes “Amends Constitution: Changes election processes. All voters/candidates for certain partisan offices participate in the same nomination procedure.” (This is similar to the certified ballot title for IP 16, which organizers, All Oregon Votes, appealed to the Supreme Court, but which the Court approved without change. IP 16 is not yet listed as withdrawn.) It has received a certified title. IP 27 measure entitled The Voter Choice Act was filed late in the session. This is described as “An Initiative to Give Voters the Option to Rank Candidates in Oregon and, which would expand the terms and offices covered by the current bill above (HB 2004, which was ultimately referred to the ballot for voters to decide in 2024. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley The League’s interest in the rights of incarcerated people continued this session as we supported the passage of several bills to improve the lives and recidivism rates of those housed in Oregon’s correctional facilities. These bills facilitate the provision of a wide array of drug treatment programs in correctional facilities ( SB 529 ); require publicly accessible data on the use of segregated housing ( HB 2345 ); and authorize the Department of Correction to enter into agreements to offer higher education academic programs to adults in custody ( SB 270 ). The League was disappointed that SB 579 , allowing incarcerated people in Oregon to vote, did not advance this session. We will continue to advocate for passage in future sessions. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2038 : Amends ORS 244.060 by adding subsections (9)(a)-(e) to expand reportable sources of income for officeholders and candidates required to file Oregon statements of economic interest. HB 5021 : Effective July 1, 2023 as an emergency measure, establishes the amount of $3,926,618 for the biennium as the maximum limit for payment of expenses, as specified, with exceptions, received by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. SB 168 : Amends ORS 260.432 by expressly prohibiting public employees, while on the job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination, or election of public officials. It also provides that a public employee may communicate with a separate public employee or elected official about the appointment of a person to public office if such a communication is made in furtherance of the recipient's official duties relating to appointment required by Oregon Constitution or state statute. SB 207 : Adds ORS 192.685(1)(b) to expand the authority of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission by permitting it to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the Commission has reason to believe that a public body conducted meetings in executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. SB 661 : Effective September 2023, prohibits a lobbyist from serving as the chairperson of an interim committee, a joint interim committee, a legislative work group, or a legislative task force that is staffed by nonpartisan staff of the legislative department, with exceptions. Access By Paula Krane NO WIN SESSION - Missing Our Access This Session “Business as usual, funny business, political partisan games!! What is happening with the Legislature at the capital this session? It is really a mixture of all of these things and everyone seems to be doing something that is taking away our access to and especially slowing down the political process.” This is what I wrote in the middle of the session and nothing seemed to have changed until the last couple of days of the session when most of the bills passed without any floor debate. No one had a chance to discuss and understand the issues. The process this session was a mess. Many proposed bills did not get a hearing, a vote in committee or sent to the floor of both houses. Many of the bills that the League advocated for did get passed but without the process we also advocate for. Some of these procedural things used to slow us down this session were: Periodically over the session bills were being read completely word for word in both houses. A few bills were being sent from committee directly to the proper chamber with no public hearings on the bill and especially after amendments were added that significantly change the original bill. The information (bill description or summary) at the top of the bill was supposed to be written at an 8th grade reading level and so bills were being sent back for a rewrite (next session all bill descriptions and summaries will be written at an 8th grade reading level). The proper business protocol was not happening for many days in the capital. Too many discussions were being held behind closed doors. The public was left out for most of the session. Then we had the walkout by some Legislators in the Senate and the business we sent our Legislators to Salem to accomplish came to a complete standstill. Yes in the end many bills passed (not as many as should have been) however without public input. Because of the construction at the Capital building, there were limited hearing rooms. Many of the committees were compressed and the days they met were less than usual. This caused less true public interaction. However, even with the hybrid compressed meetings people from all over the state were allowed to participate even for only 2 minutes. Also because of the shortened time frame, there were few questions by legislators to the public who testified. The legislators, their staff, committee staff, and all the departments should be given a big hand of applause for all their hard work this session on IT. With each session it gets better. If your legislator walked out ask why and have them explain why they thought they were doing their job and representing all their constituents and the people of Oregon. Will the 2024 short session be more of the same or will we get our access back and have a working Legislature? Let’s hope so.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - November Interim Jump to a topic: Education Update Non-school Supports School Funding and Accountability Higher Education State Funding of Financial Aid for Students Education Update By Anne Nesse As the Portland teachers strike continues over wages and working conditions, it is important to note that Oregon has failed to invest what is required for an equity-based public school system, for a number of years. An Oregon Quality Education Model Commission Report helps explain how we divide the funds between schools: scroll to the Summary for a shortened report. This is an unfortunate fact and it is true in all parts of the country. This is perhaps why a number of Oregon teachers are questioning their profession. House Education met Nov. 6. Rep. Jami Cate, House District 11, was a leader in the discussion on ‘Accountability’, stating she realized that complete ‘equity’ for funding public education could not be established all at once. She announced that In the coming legislative sessions, we will re-evaluate the 11% cap on funds allowed for special education and numbers of homelessness students, among other criteria. One group of slides shown by Kevin Strong, Business Manager Sweet Home School District, illustrates the difficulties we currently face with the 11% cap on special needs and achieving greater equity in public education. These statistics help to demonstrate that disparities are large, among schools and school districts. Once the 11% cap is reached, funds must be taken from other school services to meet the growing demands for those students who are falling behind more than 2 grade levels in performance. Meghan Moyer, Disability Rights Oregon, pointed out that this Federal classification for disabilities was not possible to be “over claimed” by individual school districts. Bob Estabrook, Oregon School Employees Association, reminded us that initially the Federal Government was supposed to fund the educational care of those who are classified as disabled. However, he stated that Federal funds have ‘never even come close to what we need’, and that we receive only 18% of the cost funding needed. He emphasized that ‘the current model is essentially unsustainable.’ The end result is that students who are behind in grade level performance for other reasons do not get the attention they may need. Several proposals will be forthcoming, including 3 tiers of the severity of disabilities or IEP, and adding a 1/2 ‘weight’ for homelessness. Charlene Williams, the newly approved Oregon Department of Education Director for the ODE, introduced herself to both the House and Senate Education Committees, stating her priorities and goals. Here , in relation to these goals, is an added history of Oregon school funding which has unfortunately helped to create inequities in public education, based on property tax rules in Ballot Measures 5, 47, and 50. And for further history, the Student Success Act of 2019 , was passed by the legislature to help add funds to decrease inequities. Senate Education met Nov. 7 ( video ). Summer learning programs were minimally funded this year, due to decreased Federal funds. We know these programs help to prevent academic losses during the summer and try to bring joy to learning. During the meeting, we were reminded that planning for these programs must begin early for them to occur at all. The agenda also included a report on the SB 1522 project implementation based on designing online classes for inmates within the Oregon Dept. of Corrections, to receive High School diplomas, or other classes. This includes PSU and Treasure Valley CC presently, offering classes at Coffee Creek women’s facility and Ontario men’s facility. Finally, this committee heard from the newly appointed Teacher Standards and Practice (TSPC) Director, Melissa Goff and others on the creation of pilot programs to certify new teachers in “mentorship programs”. These kinds of programs are happening across the country to assure we have a dedicated supply of educators. It was unclear from the meeting whether these mentorship candidates were already college graduates. There may soon be Federal support for this program in Oregon. The program is meant to curb the high dropout rate of teachers in the first 2 years of employment, increase the diversity of teachers in Oregon, and increase the number of special education or other needed professionals. Non-school Supports By Katie Riley Both the House and Senate Education Committees held hearings during November Legislative Days. Both meetings were reports from ODE, including work on crisis training and de-escalation for employees, PELL grants, teacher apprentice pilot programs, and ODE’s efforts to provide accountability and transparency. Tenneal Wetherell, ODE Chief of Staff, reported to the Senate Committee on summer learning. She noted that there is a group plan for a bill that would provide funding for summer and afterschool learning, approximately $50 million for the biennium. Funding for summer programs alone totaled $390 million in 2021 and 2022. Senator Dembrow noted that Rep. Susan McLain will probably be the bill sponsor. School Funding and Accountability By Jean Pierce Revenue Committee Bills Six revenue bills will be in the request submitted Thursday for consideration during the short session. The primary one for LWVOR to track regards a Constitutional change for voters to consider in the November Election. Currently assuming no changes are made to a property, its maximum assessed value equals 103 percent of the property’s assessed value from the prior year or 100 percent of the property’s maximum assessed value from the prior year, whichever is greater. The goal of the Senators proposing this bill is to try to avoid winners and losers. Explanation of the State School Funding formula The State School Fund is a combination of state and local funds, which provides about 80% of the general operating dollars to K-12 school districts and educational service districts. These funds are allocated through an equalization formula adopted in 1991. Approximately 80% of the SSF is for salaries and benefits. The next largest amount is for transportation. Attempts to provide equalization, adequacy, and equity among districts is addressed in the remaining funds (18% of the funding formula), which are allocated based on attendance (average daily membership) as well as weights allocated to the number of students classified as: · English Language Learning (ELL) · Special Education (up to 11% of the students holding Individual Educational Plans) · Pregnant and parenting · Poverty · Foster Care, neglected, delinquent · Remote Elementary School · Small High School · Post graduate scholarship (money is deducted based on those only receiving college education) These funds are not tied to an outcomes-based system of accountability. Currently, an average 14.3% of K-12 students require special education, and some districts experience as high as 50%. In fact, the state school fund is generating only 2/3 of the funds needed for special education. Districts exceeding 11% must pull resources from ELL and other programs that are not mandated. This is particularly a problem for smaller districts which tend to have higher percentages of students needing special education and fewer resources available. Superintendents report that there is very little discretionary money available to districts. Educational inflation is higher than other inflation indices. While the amount of state school funding has more than doubled since 1990, it has remained fairly constant in inflation-adjusted dollars since 1994. Accountability of school districts for spending Speakers from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) reported to the House Education Committee, that they are developing a map of Oregon’s K-12 education accountability ecosystem, and this work should be completed by January of 2024. This information will be used in a conversation over the next 6-9 months about accountability and support needed by schools and districts for the system. ODE identified 16 elements of accountability and noted that only 5 of them were highly rated for transparency and access. Financial management and reporting earned only 2 out of 5 stars for transparency and access. Higher Education By Jean Pierce Effects of University of Oregon decision on Oregon State University LWVOR believes that · cooperation and coordination should be emphasized by all Oregon public postsecondary education institutions and governing boards · the performance of independent boards at each institution of higher education should be monitored to ensure that they are responsive to the institution’s needs and the needs of the state as a whole. The House Higher Education Committee heard testimony that the decision of the University of Oregon to withdraw from the Pac 12 had not been discussed with Oregon State University and is causing significant harm to OSU, which stands to make $43 M less in fiscal year ’25 than in ‘24. OSU leadership made the following recommendations: · There is a need to define how to make the best decisions for university boards and the state · It is critical that institutions consult affected parties when a decision might adversely affect another public university. · If entities cannot come to agreement, there is a need for a mechanism for mediation. · At the same time, there is a need to preserve the independent governing structures of the universities. At the same time, OSU is requesting more financial support from the state: · Increasing sports lottery allocations by 1% · Funds to cover revenue loss and increased costs incurred during COVID (these were to be repaid from athletics revenue) State Funding of Financial Aid for Students By Jean Pierce The Oregon Opportunity Grant The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) changed the funding formula and increased funding for low income students. The following chart shows the changes. Cost of attendance includes tuition plus room and board and other expenses. When OOG grants are combined with Pell Grants, currently these funds are covering 45% of the costs of attending community colleges and 48% of the costs of attending 4-year universities. OOG grants are awarded to students attending qualifying not for profit private schools in Oregon, such as Willamette University, but those students receive the same amount as students in 4-year public schools. Previously, students needed to apply for the grants in February, which disproportionately affected Community College students who did not enroll in the fall semester. The deadline was changed to mid-summer, but it is not possible to accept students year-round unless there is a change in the way that grants are funded by the state. College Possible and the Oregon TRIO Association The House Higher Education Committee will submit a policy bill requesting continuing support for grant programs supporting College Possible and the Oregon TRIO Association. College Possible serves 1600 low-income, first-generation students each year, 80% of whom attend college in Oregon. A majority of their students are people of color. The Oregon TRIO Association promotes educational equity and access for under-represented students applying for federally-funded college grants. They provide tutoring, counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other support. They also provide training for directors and staff running federal grants.

Contact the League of Women Voters of Oregon with questions or comments. Contact Get in Touch 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 lwvor@lwvor.org | 503-581-5722 First Name Last Name Email Subject Type Your Message Here Send Thanks for submitting! We Need Your Support Today! Donate

Revenue Read Our 2025 Priorities Here LWVOR Advocacy Positions Note: these are condensed versions. See the complete positions in Issues for Action . 2026 Legislative Priority ASSURE ADEQUATE REVENUE from all levels of government to provide essential services while promoting equitable and progressive tax policy. Address changes in federal taxation. Consider new revenue to fund services Oregonians need. Positions Governance Economic Development Revenue Bonds LWVOR supports the authority to issue Economic Development Revenue Bonds by the state, ports, and cities with more than 300,000 population. 2. In addition to the Economic Development Revenue Bond program, LWVOR supports other state and local economic stimulants Fiscal Policy Evaluating Taxes —any tax proposal should be evaluated with regard to its effect on the entire tax structure. Fiscal Responsibility —local government should have primary responsibility for financing non-school local government. Local services mandated by the state should have state funding. Income Tax—i ncome tax is the most equitable means of providing state revenue. The income tax should be progressive, compatible with federal law and should apply to the broadest possible segment of Oregonians. Sales Tax— A sales tax should be used with certain restrictions Property Tax —local property taxes should partially finance local government and local services. Exemptions to the general property tax include: a. Charitable, educational and benevolent organizations, etc. b. School District Financing. The major portion of the cost of public schools should be borne by the state, which should use a stable system to provide sufficient funds to give each child an equal, adequate education. Previous Legislative Reports Next

Follow social policy related items with the League of Women Voters of Oregon. Social Policy Overview The League of Women Voters of Oregon is actively working toward a more accessible government, better educational resources, statewide privacy protections and more. Read More Social Policy Reports Mar 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 One of the biggest disappointments in the waning days of the session was the behind-the-scenes deal-making between the two parties that caused HB 4145 to be stripped of nearly all its provisions before its final passage on the Senate floor. Read More Mar 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of March 2 Several key House bills related to Oregon’s pushback on federal law enforcement and immigration actions have successfully passed Senate Judiciary and await a vote on the Senate floor. Read More Feb 23, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 Bills stacked up in committee hearings this past week as legislators scrambled to meet the February 16th deadline. Read More Feb 16, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 The League is carefully monitoring the many bills in House and Senate Judiciary this session that seek to protect Oregonians from the actions of federal immigration officers. Read More Feb 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 The Senate and House Judiciary Committees got off to a quick start by scheduling hearings on several important bills during the first few days. Read More Feb 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Given the time constraints of a short session, it is striking to see the number of bills that relate to current federal government actions on immigration. Read More Jan 26, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of January 26 Besides ongoing litigation from the Oregon Department of Justice, the League will be monitoring a flurry of bills this session from Senate and House Democrats that prioritize “protecting democracy, our elections, and the civil rights of Oregonians from federal overreach.” Read More Dec 1, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of December 1 During the November Legislative Days hearings, The Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education held informational briefings on early learning as well as education regarding costs, performance considerations, and proposed cuts due to the pending loss of $880 million in federal funds. Read More Oct 13, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Oregon’s “School Medicaid” system has not been impacted yet by funding cuts in H.R. 1, but it is possible that impacts will be felt in the future. Read More Aug 11, 2025 Legislative Report - Sine Die - Week of August 11 This sine die report summarizes the Social Policy portfolio work that took place over the 2025 Legislative Session. Read More Jun 30, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 After a flurry of activity by state legislators, the Governor’s office, housing advocates, the League of Women Voters of Oregon, and many others, on June 23, 2025, lawmakers released three major budget bills. Read More Jun 23, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/23 The League is hopeful that it is likely some existing immigrant related agency social service programs will receive additional funding at the end of the session reconciliation bill. Read More Jun 16, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 The Legislative Fiscal Office recommends a 2025-27 total funds budget for the Housing and Community Services Department of $2,667,240,094 and 478 positions (474.50 FTE). This is a 28.2% decrease from the 2023-25 legislatively approved budget, and 39.3% increase from the 2025-27 current service level. Read More Jun 9, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/9 SB 1098, the Freedom to Read bill, passed in the House essentially along party lines. LWVOR provided testimony in support. Read More Jun 2, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/2 SB 548 has been signed into law by Governor Kotek. This bill establishes 18 as the minimum age for marriage. LWVOR testified in support. Read More May 26, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/26 LWVOR is following several budget bills relating to educational funding. In view of the revenue forecast, it is anticipated that amounts appropriated will be lowered. Read More May 19, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/19 Steady progress has been made in addressing our state’s housing crisis by investing in affordable housing production and preservation. Now thousands of Oregonians have housing stability with affordable homes. Housing advocates are being encouraged to take action now by sending messages to members of the Oregon Legislature's Joint Subcommittee on Capital Construction, and top housing leaders in both the House and Senate, to invest in bond resources in the 2025-2027 state budget. Read More May 19, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/12 This week the League of Women Voters of the United States joined a sign-on letter urging Congress to oppose cuts to Medicaid to help prevent medical debt. Oregon spent about $13 billion on its Medicaid program in 2024, picking up about 25% of the cost for the program covering 1.43 million Oregonians. Read More May 5, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/5 Recently, Head Start has been the subject of a tug of war over federal funding. In March, the Administration announced that it was closing 5 regional offices, including one in Seattle which oversees funding for programs in Oregon. Nevertheless, programs did receive delayed funding in early April. But the office remains closed, jeopardizing funding of $196M for over 8000 students in Oregon. The proposed budget would totally eliminate funding for Head Start and Early Head Start. Read More Apr 28, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 LWVOR continues to focus on housing challenges experienced by people with the lowest incomes. Affordable homes in Oregon are in short supply, making it important to strengthen resident protections, as proposed in HB 3054 A. The bill seeks to limit rent increases for homeowners in home parks and marinas that are experiencing escalating rents and curtail landlord practices that may threaten residents’ ability to stay in their homes. Read More Apr 21, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/21 SB 951A prohibits a management service organization from making decisions about patient care. The bill also prohibits non-compete, non-disparage employment clauses in medical work’s contracts. This will allow caregivers to speak out without fear of reprisal if they feel there is a safety issue at the workplace involving patient care. It was passed by the Senate and will be heard in House Behavioral Health and Health Care on May 1. Read More Apr 14, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/14 On April 8th the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee unanimously passed HB 2015 Amendment 3 with a “do pass” recommendation and a referral to Ways & Means. This wide-ranging bill addresses regulatory barriers in building and operating secure residential treatment facilities (SRTF’s), residential treatment facilities (RTF’s) and residential treatment homes (RTH’s) in Oregon. It directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to study nursing requirements in SRTF’s and to assess alternative methodologies for reimbursement. Read More Apr 7, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/7 We are following numerous bills relating to after school and summer care, behavioral health, education, gun policy, housing, immigration, gun policy, and age-related issues. Read More Mar 31, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 We are following numerous bills relating to after school and summer care, behavioral health, education, gun policy, housing, immigration, public safety, and revenue. Read More Mar 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/24 We are following numerous bills relating to after school and summer care, civil commitment, behavioral health, education, gun policy, health care, housing, immigration, and revenue. Read More Mar 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/17 We are following numerous bills relating to behavioral health, education, gun policy, health care, housing, and reproductive health. Read More Mar 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 We are following numerous bills relating to behavioral health, child care, education, housing, and public safety. Read More Mar 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/3 We are following numerous bills relating to behavioral health, education, gun policy, health care, and housing. Read More Feb 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/24 We are following numerous bills relating to age discrimination/reproductive health, behavioral health, child care, criminal justice, education, housing, immigration, and public safety. Read More Feb 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 We are following numerous bills relating to behavioral health, child care, criminal justice, education, housing, immigration, and public safety. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 On Feb. 3, the House Committee on Education held a public hearing for HB 2596 (Interstate Compact for School Psychologists). Read More Feb 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/3 The final report for the 2024 session report on HB 4082 includes a request of $50 million per year for the biennium ($100 million total). Read More Jan 27, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 1/27 Legislative Committees heard presentations describing the current state of funding, and foreshadowing requests for larger allocations. Read More Jan 20, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 The legislature will soon begin its 2025 session, and some bills related to afterschool and summer care will be introduced. Read More Dec 20, 2024 Legislative Report - December Interim 2024 The Governor’s budget includes $80 million for summer school but it is not clear whether that includes summer child care. Read More Oct 1, 2024 Legislative Report - September Legislative Days House Revenue, 9/24/24, 2:30 PM, held report and discussion about how parameters of distribution of dollars of equalization between our school districts is decided, based on poverty, special education, individual education plans (IEP’s), etc.. A report from Revenue Dept. was that any changes to this plan would create winners and losers among school districts. Read More Jun 10, 2024 Legislative Report - Interim Week 6/10 On May 29th the Senate interim Committee on Health Care met during legislative days. Of interest is the ongoing concern about the rising cost of health care. Read More Apr 22, 2024 Legislative Report - Sine Die 2024 LWVOR wrote testimony supporting a bill which would have provided $50 million to support summer learning through ODE to school districts. Read More Mar 4, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 3/4 HB 4082 Summer Learning 2024 and Beyond was passed to allocate $30 million for summer learning in 2024 and implementation of a work group to plan for future funding and administration of summer learning and afterschool enrichment. Summer awards will be made to school districts by ODE. Read More Feb 26, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 HB 4082 Summer Learning 2024 and Beyond, was originally recommended for $50 million in funding. It was amended to include an additional $141,767 from Other funds (Student Success funding) for .50 FTE for ODE grant administration and $417,039 in general funds for ODE research and development of the Oregon 21st Century Community Learning Center Initiative. Read More Feb 19, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 On February 26, The Joint Committee on Addictions and Community Safety Response is holding a public hearing to consider two amendments to HB 4002 which deals with Oregon’s addiction crisis. Read More Feb 12, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/12 HB 4082, Summer Learning for 2024 and Beyond, to provide $50 million for summer care in 2024 and establish a workgroup for planning to support after-school and summer learning opportunities and care in the future was approved unanimously in the House Committee on Education and referred to Ways and Means. Read More Feb 5, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/5 Volunteers are needed who are interested in issues related to Children at Risk, Corrections, Farmworkers, Mental Health, and Physical Health. Please contact SocialPolicy@lwvor.org for more information about how you can make a difference with League advocacy. Read More Jan 15, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 Volunteers are needed who are interested in issues related to Children at Risk, Corrections, Farmworkers, Mental Health, and Physical Health. Please contact SocialPolicy@lwvor.org for more information about how you can make a difference with League advocacy. Read More Nov 13, 2023 Legislative Report - November Interim The Joint Interim Addiction and Community Response Committee held an in-depth discussion on the controlled substance crimes of unlawful possession, manufacture or delivery of illegal drugs during November interim legislative days. Read More Oct 2, 2023 Legislative Report - September Interim Senate Judiciary discussed SB 337 on 9-27. The bill formed a new Public Defense Services Commission, to become effective 1-1-2024. The staff is recruiting new defense attorneys for unrepresented clients residing In jails. Read More Aug 18, 2023 Legislative Report - Sine Die In 2023, it became clear that the housing crisis is now a statewide issue. In communities throughout Oregon people are living on the street and many of those who are housed are at risk of losing their homes because they can’t afford to pay their rent. Read More Jun 26, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 SB 1089 (changed from SB 704) Sets up a Governance board for Universal Health Care. The board would create a plan to finance and administer Universal Health Care for Oregonians. Read More Jun 12, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 On June 6, the Legislative Fiscal Office and the Joint W&Ms issued their recommended budget to the Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee on SB 5511, the Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS) budget: Legislative Fiscal Office's analysis. Read More Jun 5, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/5 At the urging of newly-elected Governor Kotek, the Oregon Legislature invested more than $215 million in the Early Session Housing Package. Read More

Never sign a petition “just to get it on the ballot so people can vote on it.” / Voting / Think Before You Ink / Think Before You Ink YOUR SIGNATURE IS VALUABLE ONLY SIGN PETITIONS YOU SUPPORT! Never sign a petition “just to get it on the ballot so people can vote on it.” Just as voting in primaries has more impact than voting in general elections, signing petitions has more impact than ballot measure voting. HOW MANY SIGNATURES ARE NEEDED? The threshold number for statewide petitions to become ballot measures is defined by the number of votes in the last Governor’s race for a full term. “Certification” is randomly sampling petitions, comparing signatures in the Oregon Certified Voter Registration (OCVR) database. Invalid or duplicate signatures are not counted. WHAT ARE PETITIONS? Petitions can send decisions to ballots as ballot measures, if enough certified signatures are collected. INITIATIVE Registered voters can put issues on ballots to change laws, Oregon Revised Statutes, or to amend the Oregon State Constitution. REFERRAL The Legislature can refer an undecided issue or a bill they passed to voters for approval. Any bills that amend the Oregon Constitution must be referred to voters and do not require petition signatures. REFERENDUM Registered voters can try to reject (veto) bills passed by the Legislature by petitioning to put a referendum on the ballot. A referendum may only be filed once a bill has passed in both legislative chambers and has either been signed by the Governor or the Governor's veto deadline has elapsed. Note: A referendum petition allows voters to adopt or reject any nonemergency Act or part of a nonemergency Act. Think Before You Ink Campaign Toolkit Get It Here LOOK UP WHO IS BEHIND IT Chief Petitioners are listed on the Oregon Secretary of State Initiative, Referendum, and Referral Search page . Chief petitioners and funders of ballot measures are not required to be Oregonians. Search ORESTAR for ballot measure, candidate, and PAC (political action committee) official filing and financial information. Print or Request Think Before You Ink Brochures Print brochures in English or Spanish . Or request printed copies below. Email Us

Book an LWVOR Youth Council speaker for your event or meeting. / Youth Council Speaker Booking / Youth Council Speakers Book a Youth Council Speaker Youth Council members are available to join your upcoming meeting or event. Questions? Contact youthoutreach@lwvor.org First Name Last Name Email Phone League Affiliation Choose an option Other Organization Event Date (if known) Requesting Choose an option Topic (choose all that apply) * Required Civics Education and/or Mock Election DEIJ: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Youth Council Activities Youth Advisory and League Outreach Young and Future Voter Registration Can you provide housing or reimburse mileage for traveling Youth Council members? If not, will you consider hosting a virtual event? Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting!

Education reports from the LWVOR Action Committee. Education Please see more recent Education reports here. Jan 15, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 LWVOR will be tracking the progress of legislation that would appropriate $5M to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for establishing and awarding grants for basic needs programming at public higher education institutions. Read More Nov 13, 2023 Legislative Report - November Interim As the Portland teachers strike continues over wages and working conditions, it is important to note that Oregon has failed to invest what is required for an equity-based public school system, for a number of years. Read More Oct 2, 2023 Legislative Report - September Interim “A few weeks ago the Census Bureau released the poverty figures. And nationally, child poverty more than doubled — the largest increase in more than 50 years”…from OCPP. Read More Aug 18, 2023 Legislative Report - Sine Die It is clear from LWVOR work this session that we all must invest with renewed effort to support our public education system. Read More Jun 26, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 Budgets for Early Childhood Education, ‘Child Tax Credit Bill’, K-12 biennial budget, Birth to Grade 12 Educational Literacy Bill, make historical investments in 2023. Read More May 22, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 5/22 Leadership Announces Historic Budgets for State School Fund, Early Learning and Literacy Success Read More May 15, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 5/15 On May 8 Senate President Rob Wagner spoke representing that the mission statement of public schooling ‘is to provide equity, diversity, and inclusion, based on each individual student needs, with written and informed consent by its parents,’ during the public hearing on SB 819A with -13 amendments, concerning abbreviated school days for children with disabilities. Read More May 8, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 5/8 Of interest last week was a public hearing on HB 3199A, in the Senate 5/4, already passed the House, limiting PE requirements by the state that were unattainable by many school districts. Read More Apr 24, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 4/24 Governor Kotek’s SB 1045-2 sets a significant legal precedent for education in our state. The -2 amendment names certain “vulnerabilities of students” in education, for which all school districts need to comply with state law. Read More Apr 10, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 4/10 The Governor’s Literacy Initiative, HB 3198 -3 held a public hearing on 4/3 and a work session that passed this Bill unanimously to the floor. Read More Apr 3, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 4/3 SB 1050 was introduced to Senate Education on 3/30 by Melissa Goff, advisor to Governor Kotek. Read More Mar 27, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 3/27 Legislative action this week centers on information bringing more equity and quality in education to all students throughout our state. Read More Mar 20, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 3/20 Governor Kotek leads a detailed informational hearing on the Early Literacy Success Initiative, a combination of HB 3198 and HB 3454, with the goal of reaching 95% literacy in reading and writing in Oregon. Read More Mar 13, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 Senate Education held hearings on an educational plan to begin curriculum design for climate change study, within all subjects, grades K-12, available for the entire state. Justice and saving lives was also in the forefront. Read More Mar 6, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Testimony on Bipartisan HB 3235, in House Early Childhood and Human Services 2/27, attempts to create refundable child tax credit in Oregon of up to $1,200.00 per child under age 18, based on family income. Read More Feb 27, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 Informative hearings were held concerning our State Treasury, and a proposed plan to decrease carbon-intensive investments in favor of a cleaner energy economy. We also heard informative reports on statewide early childhood care. Read More Feb 20, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 2/20 Senate Education introduced an “omnibus” Bill SB 283 to begin to solve the workforce shortage problems in education throughout our state. Read More Feb 13, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 2/13 House Education held several public hearings on mental health related Bills significant to the Governor’s Budget goal, this last week. Read More Feb 6, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 2/6 House Education Meeting 2/6/23 3PM, takes an important look at locally elected school board responsibilities and the non-discriminatory rights of all students. Read More Feb 1, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 1/30 Senate Education Committee heard two bills of significance this week. The first was about the use of Corporate Tax Kicker (not personal income tax kicker), and the second was about virtual and brick and mortar public charter schools. Read More Jan 30, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 1/23 House ED Chair Neron is the chief sponsor of HB2739 written to form a Committee on more stable and sustainable educational funding…providing more accurate calculation of the biennial budget. Read More Jan 24, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 1/16 If you are represented by any of these Representatives or Senators, feel free to contact them about your hopes for educational progress in the coming Legislative Session. Read More

Support the Advocacy Fund of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. / Advocacy / Support the Advocacy Fund / Support the Advocacy Fund About the LWVOR Advocacy Fund The League of Women Voters of Oregon Advocacy Fund (LWVORAF) is a 501(c)(4) grassroots political organization that is run through the generosity of our donors and the hard work of volunteers. It allows us to support petitioning, ballot measures and other campaigns that are not allowed for the 501(c)(3) LWVOR organization. Donations made to the LWVORAF are not tax deductible. Donate

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Learn more about starting a League Unit in your community. / Join / Start a League Unit / Start a League Unit No League in your community? Start one! You can use the LWV “Member-at-State” (MAS) Unit process to begin empowering voters and defending democracy in your community! With LWV MAS Units, administrative functions like financial management, by-laws, membership management and incorporating are initially handled by LWVOR, and you will have a mentor to help each step of the way. Individuals without a local League or Unit are welcome to join our State League. Learn more about join ing Getting Started as a Member: Easy as 1-2-3 Chat 1. We welcome you to JOIN the League of Women Voters of Oregon. Edit 2. Sign up for free LWVOR communications and Legislative Reports (during session). Mail 3. Email membership@lwvor.org for questions and connection to mentors. Initial steps for becoming a state League Unit 1. The idea for forming a new League arises, either through citizen inquiry or board initiative. 2. A nucleus of interested citizens is recruited and become League members. 3. State mentors are appointed and confer (in person when possible, by phone and online) with the interested group. 4. An informational planning meeting is scheduled, and the decision to proceed is made to: connect with experienced League mentors to play a key role helping your group plan an organizational community meeting send an important signal about the League's commitment to reflecting concerns of all citizens give the group an opportunity to share leadership chart the League's future with diverse community members to bring about positive change 5. Preparations commence with mentoring and an organizational meeting is held. 6. League members complete requirements for recognition as a state League Unit with: ✔ Five or more current League members ✔ Leadership Team selected (Unit Coordinator or Co-Chairs, etc…) ✔ Geographic Area to be served is identified to incorporate into Unit name ✔ Nonpartisanship policy established - see Appendix I 7. The LWVOR Board organizes/recognizes the state League Unit. Starting Point for New League Units For more information review our new unit formation guidelines: Starting Point for New League Units

Follow revenue related items with the League of Women Voters of Oregon. Revenue Reports March 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 The short session is over. The Governor still has to decide if she’s signing the legislation. And the work is not done. There was not enough revenue to fund the 2025-27 budget without cuts and new legislation as shared below. Read More March 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of March 2 Despite earlier alarms, Oregon programs and services can proceed largely unscathed in wake of Trump tax and budget cuts. Read More February 23, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 We are beginning to see bills that were sent to Ways and Means because they had costs (fiscals) being assigned to Ways and Means Subcommittees. By next week we should see more bills being assigned to those Subcommittees if they might be fully or partially funded. A reminder: These Subcommittees have the ability to change policy in the bills sent to them as well as determine what and how much to fund them. Read More February 16, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 The latest word is we are $650 million in the hole related to revenue needs vs. expenses. But this number doesn’t reflect all the legislation being considered this session. Read More February 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 The long-awaited Revenue Forecast that will guide the spending for the 2026 legislative session, was delivered at the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee meeting on Feb. 4th. Read More February 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 State agencies provided the Ways and Means Subcommittees with proposed cuts of up to 5% from their currently-approved budgets during the November Interim Days. Read More January 6, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of January 26 Everyone waits anxiously for the Feb. 4th Revenue Forecast so the legislature will know the expected revenue for the rest of this biennium to be able to rebalance the state budget. Read More December 1, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of December 1 On Nov. 19, legislators received the latest Revenue Forecast. (An in-depth version is here.) Oregonlive covered the forecast helpfully. They provide an in-depth Revenue Outlook. The Oregon Capital Insider also provided a good article. However, we still have two economies: One for the wealthy and one for low-income Oregonians—the “k” economy. Read More October 13, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Oregon is better suited to address a significant downturn in the economy than the last major downturn because of Oregon’s Rainy Day and Education Stability Funds. But there are criteria that must be addressed in order to access those funds. Read More October 13, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Oregon is better suited to address a significant downturn in the economy than the last major downturn because of Oregon’s Rainy Day and Education Stability Funds. But there are criteria that must be addressed in order to access those funds. Read More June 16, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 Oregon House Bill 2321 seeks to study Oregon’s property tax system, with a focus on Ballot Measures 5 and 50. Ballot measure 5, passed in 1990, set limits on property taxes through a hybrid levy- and rate-based system originally intended to control rapidly increasing property tax costs. This was a departure from the previous property tax system, which relied on tax levies set by each district as a function of specific budget needs. Read More May 19, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/19 The May 14th economic forecast highlights sluggish growth in the U.S. and Oregon economies, with an elevated risk of recession. Oregon’s GDP growth is forecasted to slow to 0.9% in 2025, marking a decline from previous estimates. However, stronger growth is projected for 2027, in anticipation of trade negotiations and a federal tax cut package. Read More May 12, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/12 We are all waiting for the May 14th Revenue Forecast from our State Economist Carl Riccadonna at the Office of Economic Analysis to be presented to the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue at 8 a.m. The Economist will provide a verbal presentation with slides as well as providing a more complete in-depth report on his view of the world, the U.S. and Oregon’s economic outlook for 2025-27. Read More April 21, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/21 House Bill 3049 (introduced) seeks to modify provisions for corporate excise tax exemptions for businesses operating in economically lagging areas. This bill was discussed during an informational session with the House Revenue Committee on 4/15/25 in response to a request for an interim report on the bill from LRO. Read More April 14, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/14 House Bill 3049 was introduced at the request of Governor Tina Kotek for Oregon Business Development Department. It seeks to modify provisions for corporate excise tax exemptions for businesses operating in economically lagging areas. While this exemption exists in Oregon currently, the program is believed to be underutilized due to complex eligibility calculations. The new bill provides simplified methods to determine eligibility and employee wage requirements, and limits the amount of exemptions that a single business may claim. Read More April 9, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/7 House Bill 2362 aims to implement tiered estate tax exemptions based on the size of the taxable estate. The exemption amount would vary based on the estate's value, and would phase out for larger estates. As a result, this bill would modernize Oregon’s estate tax exemption policy with respect to inflation and appreciation of assets over time. Read More Revenue Overview The League of Women Voters of Oregon is actively working toward a more accessible government, better educational resources, statewide privacy protections and more. Read More